Prominent Works of Summary Interpretation
Jalalayn Interpretation
This interpretation was crafted by two scholars, both named Jalal al-Din, which is why it is referred to as the Jalalayn interpretation. The authors are Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli, who passed away in 864 AH, and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, who completed it and died in 911 AH. This text offers a concise commentary.
The language used is approximately the same length as the verses of the Quran; al-Mahalli covered up to Surah Al-Isra, and al-Suyuti completed the remaining portions. This commentary is widely recognized and serves a general purpose. Several scholars have added annotations to this esteemed work, such as the commentary by Al-Alqami.
Summary of the Meanings of the Quran
This interpretation is authored by Sheikh Hasanain bin Muhammad bin Makhlouf Al-‘Adawi Al-Maliki, who was the Grand Mufti of Egypt and passed away in 1410 AH. It is an extremely concise book that focuses on the meanings of Quranic terms, incorporating some explanations and clarifications for certain verses.
The author included a preface discussing the Makki and Madani revelations within the Quran, the arrangement of the surahs and verses, the naming of the surahs, the distinction between decisive and ambiguous verses, as well as different classifications of the Quran.
The Interpreted Mushaf
This work was authored by Muhammad Farid Wajdi. It presents an interpretation that avoids excessive elaboration, designed for readers who do not wish to delve into profound meanings. Instead, it aims to clarify the meanings contained within the words while briefly noting the context of specific verses.
This interpretation is published alongside the Mushaf itself, spanning a total of 815 pages, and has been well-received by readers. It has circulated widely, leading the author to produce multiple editions.
Facilitating the Merciful God’s Interpretation (Interpretation of Al-Saadi)
Authored by Sheikh Abdul Rahman bin Nasir Al-Saadi, who died in 1376 AH, this interpretation has gained widespread recognition among both the public and scholars. It has been published numerous times. It is a concise commentary that avoids unnecessary elaborations.
The author emphasizes clarity and accessibility in conveying the intended meanings of verses in straightforward language, steering clear of complexity. Occasionally, he provides explanations for certain key meanings of verses, ensuring that he highlights the beliefs of the righteous predecessors, particularly regarding verses relating to the attributes of God.
Understanding Summary Interpretation
Summary interpretation can be defined as: “An interpretation where the commentator presents the meaning of a verse or verses in a brief, overarching manner, without extensive elaboration or detail. This type of interpretation tends to be about three times the length of the Quran itself.” Such interpretations are closer to a semantic translation, as they do not analyze verses in depth or provide detailed explanations of words and their implications.
Types of Quranic Interpretation
The interpretation of the Quran can be categorized into four types based on the method of interpretation, as follows:
- Analytical Interpretation.
- Summary Interpretation.
- Comparative Interpretation.
- Thematic Interpretation.