Qur’anic Sciences in the Ibadi Tafsir Tradition
This academic study examines how the sciences of the Qur’an are addressed and interpreted by exegetes belonging to the Ibadi sect. Comprising three chapters, the work aims to present both a historical and methodological perspective, thereby highlighting the place of Ibadism in the tafsir literature and its unique contributions.
The first chapter provides a historical background to the emergence of Ibadism, its theological and political foundations, and its distinction from Kharijite extremism. While Ibadis historically stem from the early Kharijite movement, the author emphasizes their moderate stance and rejection of radical tendencies. The text argues that despite being labeled “Kharijite,” Ibadis have developed a unique and independent religious identity throughout Islamic history.
The second chapter introduces the main classical and modern Ibadi exegetes and their tafsir works. These include figures such as Hūd ibn Muḥakkam, Abū al-Ḥawwārī, al-Kindī, al-Tafayyish, al-Bayyūḍ, and al-Khalīlī. Their works form the textual basis for the analysis. This chapter sheds light on the development of Ibadi exegetical tradition and its consistency over time.
The third chapter focuses specifically on key disciplines within Qur’anic sciences: Makki and Madani verses, occasions of revelation (asbāb al-nuzūl), abrogation (naskh), Qur’anic stories (qiṣaṣ), clear and allegorical verses (muḥkam and mutashābih), problematic expressions, disjointed letters (ḥurūf al-muqattaʿa), obscure terms (gharīb), ambiguous references (mubhamāt), inimitability (iʿjāz), and Qur’anic readings (qirāʾāt). Each of these topics is discussed systematically, drawing comparisons between Sunni and Ibadi perspectives.
Altun employs both Sunni and Ibadi sources to offer a nuanced view, highlighting the interpretative methodologies employed by Ibadi scholars. He examines how these scholars engage with complex textual elements of the Qur’an and how their exegetical insights align with or differ from those of mainstream Islamic traditions. The work also examines the impact of theological and political beliefs on interpretative practices.
This book provides an academically rigorous and comprehensive treatment of a relatively underexplored subject in Islamic studies. By examining ten tafsir works from eight Ibadi exegetes, the author not only illustrates the depth of the Ibadi exegetical tradition but also contributes significantly to Qur’anic studies at large.
Keywords: Tafsīr (Interpretation), Ibāḍiyya, Qur’anic Sciences, Ahl-i Sunnah, Kharijism.