Al-Jalālayn (الجلالان)
Etymology
Al-Jalālayn (الجلالان) is an Arabic term that translates to “The two Jalāls,” referring to two prominent Islamic scholars, Jalālu ʾd-dīn al-Maḥallī and Jalālu ʾd-dīn as-Suyūt̤ī, who shared the first name جلال (Jalāl), meaning “majesty” or “splendor.”
Transliteration
- Arabic: الجلالان
- Turkish: Celaleyn
Overview
Al-Jalālayn signifies the joint work of these two scholars, leading to a significant Qur’anic exegesis known as Tafsīru ’l-Jalālayn (تفسير الجلالين). This exegesis is widely respected in the Islamic world for its precise and concise commentary on the Qur’an.
Jalālu ʾd-dīn al-Maḥallī
- Birth and Death: Died in 864 A.H. (1459 C.E.)
- Contributions: Al-Maḥallī was an esteemed Islamic scholar who commenced the exegesis but finished only the interpretation of the last 11 surahs of the Qur’an.
Jalālu ʾd-dīn as-Suyūt̤ī
-
Birth and Death: Died in 911 A.H. (1505 C.E.)
-
Contributions: As-Suyūt̤ī completed the Tafsīru ’l-Jalālayn after Al-Maḥallī’s passing and was a prolific author across multiple disciplines including grammar, rhetoric, theology (both dogmatic and practical), history, criticism, medicine, and anatomy. Notably, he authored:
- Al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qur’ān: An authoritative work on Qur’anic sciences.
- Tārīkh al-Khulafā: A comprehensive history of the caliphs.
- History of the Temple of Jerusalem: Translated by Rev. James Reynolds in 1836.
Intellectual and Cultural Impact
Tafsīru ’l-Jalālayn has been an essential text for Islamic scholars and students, appreciated for its clear exegesis that aids in understanding complex Qur’anic verses.
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Al-Itqān fī ʿUlūm al-Qur’ān” by Jalālu ʾd-dīn as-Suyūt̤ī
- “The History of the Temple of Jerusalem” translated by Rev. James Reynolds
- “The Biographical Encyclopedia of Islamic Philosophy” edited by Oliver Leaman
- “History of Islamic Philosophy” by Henry Corbin
Takeaways and Conclusion
Al-Jalālayn is not just a name but a testament to the collaborative and scholarly tradition in Islam, bringing together concise yet comprehensive insights into the Qur’anic text. The contributions of Jalālu ʾd-dīn al-Maḥallī and Jalālu ʾd-dīn as-Suyūt̤ī continue to be invaluable resources for students and scholars of Islam.
References
This entry has been crafted from a synthesis of the Islamic scholarly tradition and recommendations for further academic reading on the subject matter.
