تفسير غرائب القرآن ورغائب الفرقان

Tafsir Ghara'ib al-Qur'an wa-Ragha'ib al-Furqan

A substantial classical commentary on the Qurʾān by Niẓām al-Dīn al-Ḥasan ibn Muḥammad ibn Ḥusayn al-Qummī al-Naysābūrī (d. 850 AH). Commonly known as Tafsīr al-Naysābūrī, the work is distinguished by the breadth of disciplines it brings together, combining conventional tafsīr with Qirāʾāt, Arabic language and grammar, Asbāb al-Nuzūl, questions of waqf, theological discussion and spiritual or allusive interpretation.

Al-Naysābūrī follows a particularly systematic method. He first presents a group of Qurʾānic verses and then records the relevant variant readings (qirāʾāt), followed by the places of waqf and their classifications. He subsequently enters into the tafsīr proper, discussing the circumstances of revelation where relevant, explaining vocabulary and grammatical constructions, considering differing interpretations, and elucidating the overall meaning of the passage. His treatment of Qirāʾāt includes both canonical and occasional non-canonical readings and constitutes a significant component of the commentary.

A further distinguishing feature is the section which al-Naysābūrī labels al-Taʾwīl. Here he moves beyond the outward exegetical meaning to present spiritual and Sufi interpretations of the verses. The work therefore combines linguistic and transmitted tafsīr with a substantial contemplative dimension, while maintaining a clear distinction between the ordinary explanation of the verse and these more allusive interpretations.

Al-Naysābūrī drew extensively upon the preceding exegetical tradition, and the resulting work is especially valuable for the way it brings together linguistic analysis, variant readings, grammatical discussion and spiritual interpretation within a consistent structure. Its treatment of individual passages can consequently range from precise philological observations to broader theological and devotional reflections.