The Evolution of Thematic Exegeses in the Indian Subcontinent: Development, Methodologies, and Leading Scholars

Abstract

This article examines the historical development and scholarly contributions to Thematic interpretation[i] of the Qur'ān (TafsīrMawḍūʿī) in the Indian Subcontinent. It highlights how Muslims in the region established a strong intellectual and spiritual relationship with the Qur’ān from the early period of Islam, initially through recitation and education, and later through systematic scholarly engagement in Qur'anic exegesis.

The study traces the foundational role of early exegetes and focuses particularly on the transformative contribution of Shah WaliullahDehlvi, who introduced an organized thematic framework through his theory of Five Sciences (al-‘Ulūm al-Khamsah), thereby laying a methodological foundation for thematic interpretation in the subcontinent.

Furthermore, the article analyses the subsequent development of thematic tafsīr, through the works of prominent scholars such as: Ubaidullah Sindhi, Hamid al-Din Farahi, AmeenAhsanIslahi, ‘Abd al-majidDaryabadi, Abu al-A’laMawdudi, ManazirAhsanGilani, MolanaTayyabQasmi, Syed Abu al-Hassan Ali al-Nadwi and others who expanded its scope through intellectual, reformative and spiritual approaches.

The article concludes that thematic exegesis (TafsīrMawḍūʿī) in the subcontinent evolved as a dynamic and effective method not only for addressing intellectual and social challenges, but also for strengthening the relationship between the Qur’ān and the common reader. It asserts that thematic tafsīr (TafsīrMawḍūʿī) has significantly contributed to presenting the message of the Qur’ān in a coherent, accessible, and purpose-oriented manner.

[i]. Thematic interpretation (al-Tafsīr al-Mawḍūʿī) is a modern term, known by this name in the contemporary era. Its efficacy in clarifying the meanings of the Noble Qur'ān and achieving a more precise and comprehensive understanding of its objectives has been established. Over the past four or five decades, numerous studies and books have been written in this field, addressing the fundamental principles and tenets of this type of tafsīr,Dr. Mustafa Muslim(1940–2021) — A leading Syrian scholar of Qur’anic exegesis and Qur’anic sciences-, in his independent book, Mabāhithfī al-Tafsīr al-Mawḍūʿī (Studies in Thematic Exegesis) defines it as: “A science that addresses issues according to the Qur’anic objectives, through one Sūrah or more”. Muslim, Muṣṭafā. Mabāḥithfī al-Tafsīr al-Mawḍūʿī. Beirut: Dār al-Qalam, 4th ed., 2005, p. 16.