A Methodological and Stylistic Study of Shaykh Abdul Hadi Shah Mansoori’s Al-Burhān fī Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān

Abstract

This study examines the methodological and stylistic features of Al-Burhān fī Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān, a distinguished Arabic commentary authored by Shaykh Abdul Hadi Shah Mansoori. The Holy Qur’an contains certain verses whose meanings may initially appear difficult, ambiguous, or complex due to linguistic subtleties, rhetorical expressions, contextual factors, theological implications, or apparent contradictions. Such verses have given rise to the important field of Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān, which seeks to clarify and reconcile these difficulties through sound exegetical principles. Among the notable contemporary contributions to this field is Al-Burhān fī Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān, in which Shaykh Mansoori presents concise yet insightful explanations of challenging Qur’anic passages while maintaining fidelity to the classical tradition of tafsīr. This research aims to investigate the author's exegetical methodology, interpretive principles, sources of evidence, and stylistic features, highlighting the distinctive characteristics that set this commentary apart from other works on Qur’anic interpretation. The study employs descriptive, analytical, and comparative approaches to examine selected examples from the commentary and evaluate the methods adopted by the author in resolving exegetical difficulties. Particular attention is given to his use of Qur’anic cross-references, Prophetic traditions, linguistic analysis, theological argumentation, and rational reflection in explaining problematic verses. The research concludes that Al-Burhān fī Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān represents a significant contribution to contemporary Qur’anic exegesis and the study of Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān. Its methodological consistency, scholarly rigor, and pedagogical clarity make it a valuable resource for understanding difficult Qur’anic passages. The study recommends further academic investigation of this commentary and its contribution to modern tafsīr literature, as it offers important insights into the interpretation of the Qur’an and enriches the broader field of Qur’anic studies. The research concludes that Al-Burhān fī Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān represents a significant contribution to contemporary Qur’anic exegesis and the study of Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān. Its methodological consistency, scholarly rigor, and pedagogical clarity make it a valuable resource for understanding difficult Qur’anic passages. The study recommends further academic investigation of this commentary and its contribution to modern tafsīr literature, as it offers important insights into the interpretation of the Qur’an and enriches the broader field of Qur’anic studies.

Keywords: Al-Burhān fī Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān, Shaykh Abdul Hadi Shah Mansoori, Qur’anic Exegesis (Tafsīr), Mushkilāt al-Qurʾān, Methodology of Tafsīr, Exegetical Style, Qur’anic Studies, Islamic Theology, Contemporary Tafsīr, Qur’anic Interpretation.