Critical Studies on the Quranic Exegesis

Critical Studies on the Quranic Exegesis

Al-Qushayri’s Approach to Interpreting the Basmala: Evaluation of His Exegetical Technique in Laṭāʾif al-Ishārāt

Document Type : Original article

Authors
Mohammad Sajjad Zare Bidoki 1
‎Yahya Mirhoseini 2
Hamid Hamidian 3
1 Master's degree in Qurʾān and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran (Mirhoseini@meybod.ac.ir).
3 Associate Professor, Department of Qurʾān and Hadith Sciences, Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran.
10.22034/naghdeara.2025.541965.1334
Abstract
Abu’l-Qāsim Al-Qushayrī (d. 465 AH), in his commentary Laṭāʾif al-Ishārāt, adopted an innovative approach to the Basmala of each surah, providing unique explanations for each. While these explanations often share a common underlying theme, they exhibit significant differences at the lexical level. This methodology is distinct from other commentaries and given its early date, is considered pioneering. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical method, focuses on Al-Qushayrī's explanations under the Basmala to discern his objectives in selecting these specific topics for inclusion in his interpretation of this verse.
To this end, two hypotheses can be evaluated: first, that Al-Qushayrī's explanations are related to the openings and closings (Fawātiḥ and Khawātim) of the same surah; and second, that these interpretations are connected to the central theme of the surah. An examination of Al-Qushayrī's interpretation of 113 instances of the Basmala in the present study reveals that in both hypotheses, the most frequent type of relationship between the exegete's explanations and the surah is one of correspondence, though in numerous cases, it is one of divergence. In other words, in many instances, Al-Qushayrī's explanations are of the nature of subjective insights that bear no relation to the surah's central theme.
Our study demonstrates that Al-Qushayrī's discussions under the Basmala can be categorized into three main themes: Firstly, he considers the interpretation of the Basmala in each surah as an opportunity to elucidate the Divine Names and Attributes and to engage in their esoteric interpretation (taʾwīl) and mystical unveiling. All his explanations—such as those clarifying names like Allāh, al-Raḥmān, and al-Raḥim, his esoteric interpretations of the Divine Names, or his commentary on the letters constituting the verse of Tasmiyah—fall under this overarching category.
Secondly, he regards the interpretation of the Basmala as a chance to expand the spiritual experiences of his readers. He strives to create these experiences through expressions of praise and eulogy for the Divine, intimate prayers, allusions to the majesty of hearing the name Allah, or by describing the spiritual graces (karāmat) associated with reciting the Tasmiyah verse. The reason for this is that he elevates the Basmala to the most important invocation and litany that can enable a mystic or Sufi to attain the higher stages of the spiritual path (suluk).
Thirdly, he occasionally presents scattered admonitions (mawāʿiz), such as reminders of the possibility of attaining happiness through obedience, or allusions to the characteristics of the believers and the mystics. Qushayrī’s interpretations reveal that his intellectual framework is dominated by tabshīr (encouragement) and rajāʾ (hope), in contrast with a fear-centered approach. In other words, he emphasizes God’s vast mercy and directs his audience’s attention to Divine compassion and forgiveness, even toward sinners and wrongdoers. Nevertheless, the present study, considering Al-Qushayrī's methodology, defends the hypothesis that he regarded each Basmala as specific to its respective surah. In Al-Qushayrī’s approach, both his adherence to the Shāfi‘i madhhab and his Sufi inclination were influential.
Keywords
Basmala
Verse of Tasmiya
Exegesis
Esoteric Interpretation
Laṭāʾif al-Ishārāt
Abū&‌‌‌‌‌rsquo
l-Qāsim al-Qushayrī

Subjects

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Critical Studies on the Quranic Exegesis
Volume 6, Issue 1 - Serial Number 11
September 2025
Pages 247-270

  • Receive Date 18 August 2025
  • Revise Date 10 September 2025
  • Accept Date 10 September 2025