Baydawi, Abd Allah al-
Baydawi, Abd Allah al- (d. probably 1286, and perhaps as late as 1316) was a Shafi’i jurist and Ash’ari theologian known for his significant contributions to Islamic scholarly traditions. Educated in Baghdad, he later resided in Shiraz.
Etymology and Names
- Arabic Name: ضياء الدين عبدالله بن عمر البيضاوي (Ḍiyā’ al-Dīn ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar al-Bayḍāwī)
- Turkish Name: Beyzâvî, Abdullah
Notable Works
Anwar al-Tanzil wa-Asrar al-Tawil
Baydawi’s most famous work is Anwar al-Tanzil wa-Asrar al-Tawil (The Lights of Revelation and the Secrets of Interpretation), which is a concise commentary on the Quran with a special focus on grammar and variant readings. This exegesis is based on the earlier work of al-Zamakhshari, Al-Kashshaf (The Unveiling), and streamlined for clarity and brevity. It became a standard text in the Muslim world and has been widely studied in madrasas.
Academic Influence
Baydawi’s Anwar al-Tanzil wa-Asrar al-Tawil was one of the first Quranic commentaries published in Europe (1846–48), illustrating its wide-reaching influence. His work received numerous supercommentaries and served as a cornerstone text for Quranic interpretation studies.
Other Contributions
Apart from Quranic exegesis, Baydawi authored significant works in multiple domains:
- History: Documenting and interpreting historical events from an Islamic perspective.
- Jurisprudence: Contributing to Shafi’i fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) through various legal treatises.
- Grammar: Focusing on the nuances of the Arabic language.
- Theology: Engaging in Ash’ari theological discourse.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Introduction to the Study of the Qur’an” by Maulana Maududi
- “The Formation of Islamic Law” edited by Wael B. Hallaq
- “The Cambridge Companion to the Qur’an” edited by Jane Dammen McAuliffe
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” edited by Michael Marmura
Takeaways
- Baydawi’s works reflect a harmonious blend of grammar, theology, and jurisprucience, rooted in the Islamic tradition.
- Anwar al-Tanzil wa-Asrar al-Tawil remains a pivotal text in understanding classical Islamic exegesis.
- His intellectual contributions have significantly impacted both the historical and contemporary Muslim world.
Conclusion
Baydawi, Abd Allah al- stands as a prominent figure in Islamic scholarship, deeply influencing Islamic law, Quranic studies, and theology. His erudition and methodology pave the way for subsequent scholars, making his work an enduring academic pursuit within Islamic studies.
This format gives a structured overview of Baydawi’s contributions and historical context, suitable for a reference entry. The use of specific sections and recommended further readings serves both educational and scholarly purposes.
