HISTORY OF MODERN LINGUISTIC TAFSIR (QUR’ANIC EXEGESIS) AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JARULLAHI MAḤMŪD AL-ZAMAKHSHAR IN HIS TAFSIR, AL-KASHSHĀF ʿANḤAQĀʾIQ AL-TANZĪL

Abstract

The paper discussed the historical evolution of Linguistic Tafsirand a reflection of the role and work of Jarullahi Mahmud al-Zamakhshar in his popular book of Tafsir of the Qur'an, Al-KashshfAn aqiq al-Tanzil. Linguistic Tafsir is a section within the subject-matter of Qur’anic studies, because clarity and understanding of the words of the Qur’an cannot achieve its aims without consideration of the Arabic language in which it was revealed. This study tracks down the historical development of Linguistic Tafsir. In the early period of Islam, Tafsir of the glorious Qur’an was confined to the explanations of the Prophet (SAW) and his companions and continued in the same way until the end of the prophetic era and the time of the orthodox sahabah in particular. With the emergence of the likes of Al-Zamkhashar at a later time in the history of Islam methodological Tafsir involving the use of Arabic grammar syntax, lexicon and rhetoric emerged. Employing qualitative library study method, the research examines the applications of grammar, morphology, syntax, lexicon, and Arabic poetry of Al-Zamakhshar within his Commentary, Al-Kashshf. AlZamakhshar is one of most the prominent figure in collecting and utilizing sciences of language and rhetoric and organizing them into an interpretive method that reflects the meaning and purpose behind the chosen of certain Arabic words, and grammatical structure and the use of particular figures of speech in carrying out the Tafsir of Qur’an. However, it is clear that certain interpretative parts, where grammatical consideration touch theological points, were affected by his Mu'tazilite thoughts. Conclusively, Al-Kashshf is an essential work on the history of Linguistic Tafsirthat can serve a good basis for today research in rhetoric and Tafsir. The paper recommended that researchers should undertake further textual analysis of Alkashaf using specific Qur’anic verses to demonstrate the practical application of Al-Zamkhashari’s linguistic and rhetorical methodology.