Methodology of Al-Rāzī and Ṭānṭāwī in interpreting the Qur’an 3:190: An analysis

Abstract

Diverse methodologies have been introduced by Commentaries of the Qūr’ān to interpret divine verses and analyze the subject and objectives of the verse. The innovative movements into the Qūr’ānic interpretations have opened   many possibilities to the crux of the Qūr’ān. The philosophical sphere of al-Rāzī and the scientific aspect of Ṭānṭāwī represent two genres of the Qūr’ān. The Qūr’ānic commentary has been revolutionized by them and a new side of the Qūr’ān has been introduced. The entry of al-Rāzī into the mainstream of Islamic philosophy and Ṭānṭāwī’s engagement with natural science opened further scope for the study of the Qūr’ān. In this study, the researcher focuses on the Qur’an 3:190 and examines how the discussions are introduced through their own methodology. The researcher uses the analytical methodology to explain their methodology in this verse. The study analyzes how they approach the subject and conduct discussions around the Qur’an 3:190. As a result, we were able to find similarities and differences in the methods and varieties of their discussions and approaches in a single verse. Like when al-Rāzī ventures to interpret the verses philosophically and tries to sound like an exegete Ṭānṭāwī is addressing the reader totally from a scientific view and he sounds more like an essayist rather than an exegete. We were able to analyze their different ideologies and beliefs. Al-Rāzī sees philosophy as a medium to enter into the core of the Qūr’ān but Ṭānṭāwī claims that natural science is the only way for the renaissance of Muslims.