ترجیح اقوال میں مولانا ثناءاللہ پانی پتی کا منہج و اسلوب (تفسیر مظہری کا اختصاصی مطالعہ)

THE METHODOLOGY AND STYLE OF MAWLANA THANA’ULLAH PANIPATI IN PREFERRING SCHOLARLY OPINIONS: A SPECIALIZED STUDY OF TAFSIR AL-MAẒHARI

Abstract

In the exegetical tradition of the Indian subcontinent, the scholarly contributions of Sanaullah Panipati occupy a prominent place. His renowned work Tafsir al-Mazhari presents various intellectual dimensions of Qur’anic interpretation in a comprehensive manner. One of the distinctive features of this tafsir is its methodological approach to tarjiḥ al-aqwal (preference among differing exegetical opinions), through which the exegete critically evaluates multiple interpretations and determines the most preferable view. The present study aims to provide an analytical and research-based examination of Qadi Sanaullah Panipati’s methodology of preference in Qur’anic exegesis, highlighting the principles, sources, and scholarly criteria he employed in the process of selecting the most authoritative interpretation.

This research primarily relies on Tafsir al-Mazhari as the principal source, while also presenting a comparative analysis with other classical exegetical works such as Jami‘ al-Bayan ‘an Ta’wil Ay al-Qur’an by Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Al-Jami‘ li-Ahkam al-Qur’an by Al-Qurtubi, and Tafsir Ibn Kathir by Ibn Kathir. The findings of this study reveal that Qadi Sanaullah Panipati employs several foundational criteria in determining the preferred opinion, including the interpretation of the Qur’an by the Qur’an, Prophetic traditions (Hadith), the statements of the Companions, linguistic and grammatical analysis, contextual coherence, and juristic principles.

Furthermore, his tafsir reflects significant spiritual and ethical dimensions that mirror the broader Sufi-oriented scholarly tradition of the Indian subcontinent. Through numerous practical examples drawn from Tafsir al-Mazhari, this study demonstrates how the exegete presents different interpretations and establishes preference among them based on sound methodological principles. In addition, the study provides a critical evaluation of the strengths and scholarly critiques of Panipati’s method of preference.

The results indicate that Qadi Sanaullah Panipati’s methodology of preference represents a balanced integration of transmitted knowledge (riwayah) and rational analysis (dirayah), giving his work a distinctive position within the exegetical heritage of the subcontinent. While drawing extensively from classical tafsir literature, Tafsir al-Mazhari also maintains a unique style and spiritual orientation that contribute to its scholarly significance. Consequently, the study of this tafsir holds considerable importance for understanding methodological debates in Qur’anic interpretation and the principles governing the preference among competing exegetical opinions.