A Book by Syrian Scholar Mustafa Moslem on Thematic Interpretation of Quran
Sheikh Mustafa Moslem (1940-2021) was an eminent figure in the field of Quranic sciences who wrote some 90 works, including encyclopedias of Quranic sciences.
One of his main works is ‘Mabahith fi Tafsir al-Madhuei’ that can be regarded as the first encyclopedia of Quran interpretation which focuses on thematic interpretation.
Thematic interpretation is a method for discussing a topic based on the verses of the Quran in which that topic has been mentioned.
In this method, the interpreter collects various verses discussing a common subject and by analyzing them together to come to the Quran’s view on that subject.
In order to write the 10-volume work, Sheikh Mustafa Moslem first studied and taught at universities the theory of unity of subject in Surahs of the Quran. While teaching at the University of Sharjah in 2004, he invited a large number of Quranic sciences scholars to discuss this theory.
Based on this theory, 30 of the scholars each worked on interpretation of a number of Surahs of the Quran under the supervision of Sheikh Mustafa Moslem.
The book that was then published in ten volumes includes thematic interpretation of all Surahs of the Holy Book.
‘Mabahith fi Tafsir al-Madhuei’ first offers discussion about the definition, root, developments, types and importance of thematic Quran interpretation. The authors says this method is rooted in the Quran-by-Quran interpretation which became common at time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), although the term thematic interpretation was first used in the 14th century Hijri.
The book has a preface by the author and five chapters as well as a conclusion.
The first chapter, titled ‘Thematic Interpretation’ discusses the historical development of the science of interpretation and the status of thematic interpretation, its importance and its types.
The second chapter includes methodologies in thematic interpretation and research on verses and Surahs and the relation between thematic and other types of interpretation.
The third one elaborates on the science of relationships (which is about the means of revelation), its significance and major works in this field.
In the fourth chapter, the reader learns about comparative examples about one theme in the Quran, which is divinity beyond the verses.
The fifth chapter offers comparative examples in thematic interpretation about “values in Surah Al-Kahf”.
