Tafsir al-Baydawi (Anwar at-Tanzil wa Asrar at-Ta-wil)

It is a complete interpretation of the Noble Qur’an, medium in size; it combines explanation and interpretation as required by the rules of the Arabic language, and establishes the evidence based on the principles of Ahlu as-Sunnis and the Mu’tazilah. Al-Baydawi’s excellent and concise work was extensively based on the earlier work of az-Zamakhshari’s book “Al-kashshaaf” (The unveiling), which displays great learning, has Mu'tazilite views, some of which al-Baydawi has amended, and some omitted. It is followed by mentioning a Hadith about the virtue of each Surah, but most of them are Fabricated Hadiths.

Tafsir al-Baydawi is also based on “At-Tafsir al-Kabir” by Fakhr ad-Din ar-Razi as well as Ar-Raghib al-Isfahani’s “Mufradaat Alfaaz al-Qur’an and his tafsir.”

Al-Baydawi added to his Tafsir some narrations from the Companions and the Followers, and some inferences and deductions in a wonderful style and accurate expression. Sometimes he is concerned with mentioning the different Readings of the Qur’an and presents the grammar without expansion. He briefly discusses some jurisprudential issues in the Verses of rulings, and tends to support his Shafi’i school. He also delves into the issues of the universe and nature when presenting the cosmic Verses, influenced by Ar-Razi.

Tafsir al-Baydawi is well-known and circulated in ancient and modern times, and was approved for teaching in many universities and religious institutes.