Al-Fauj Al-Kabir Fl Usul Al-Tafsir (The Principles of Quran)

Al-Fauz AI-Kabir Fi Usul Al-Tafsir is among Shah Wafiyullah's important works and presumably the best compilation ever prepared on the subject. The author's approach to the study of the Quran is independent and in conformity with the exigencies of logic. It helps in clearing the cobwebs of misconception which sometimes crop up in the minds of non-Muslim readers; it also helps commentators in tiding over difficulties which they occasionalIy come across in comprehending the Holy Book. Shah Wafiyullah has, by his direct approach, been able to •show how judiciously the traditions about the Prayers have been inferred from the Book of God. It was with this in view that he compiled this treatise; he has himself given an indication of this somewhere in the body of the text.

The study of this treatise before undertaking the study of the Qur 'an will prove highly useful. Its original Persian text has already been translated into Arabic and Urdu, and a str.ong need was felt also to have an English version. This need is sought to be fulfilled in this humble effort. It will be worthwhile both for the teacher and the student to consult it by way of an introduction to the study of the Holy Qur'an.

Waliyullah b Abu-ur-Rahim (on both of whom may God's grace be) says that when a window of the Book of God was opened on him, he felt impelled to produce a small treatise to incorporate useful points which could help friends in understanding the Qur'an. He hopes, with the mercy of God, that by simply being aware of these rules, the students of Qur 'an would find a wide opening before them. Otherwise they would not be able to obtain as accurate and logical account as is given here even if they were to spend their whole life on the commentaries or work under the commentators who incidently are very few in the present age. I have named this treatise as Al-Fauz-ul-Kabir F1 Usiil Al-Tafsir, and have no support except that of God, On Him I rely, and He is enough for me. He is the best protector.

The discussion is confined to five chapters. First chapter deals with the explanation of the five sciences enunciated in the Qur'an, appearing to be the very purpose of the Revelation. The second chapter relates to the reasons for observing secrecy in the arrangement of the Qur'anic verses in the context of the level of intelligence of the people of the age, and the explanation of those reasons. Third chapter relates to the beauties implicit in the arrangement and the elucidation, as far as is humanly possible and of its wonderful style. The fourth chapter refers to the exigency and a solution to the differences among the Companions and their immediate followers. The fifth chapter gives an account of the commentaries of the rarities (Gharaib) of the Qur'an, and the reasons of the revelation of various verses to the extent necessary for a commentator. Any attempt to go deep into the science of commentary without, being in possession of this information is certainly forbidden!