Comparative and Critical Analytical Studies of the Application of the Priority Rules of Tafsir bi al-Ma'tsûr to Tafsir bi al-Ijtihâd in the Classical and Contemporary Tafsir Tradition

Abstract

This study examines comparatively and analytically the application of the principle of "priority of tafsir bi al-ma'tsûr over tafsir bi al-ijtihâd" in classical and contemporary tafsir traditions. This rule is one of the important methodological principles in the interpretation of the Qur'an which emphasizes the authority of history as the main source. The research uses a qualitative approach with literature studies and comparative analysis of three representative books of tafsir: Jâmi' al-Bayân by al-Ṭhabari (classical), Tafsîr Al-Qur'ân Al-'Azhîm by Ibn Kathir (medieval classic), and Al-Tafsîr al-Munîr by Wahbah al-Zuhaili (contemporary). The results of the study show that this rule is not absolute, but rather an epistemological principle that is recommended. The classical mufasir placed the tafsir bi al-ma'tsûr as the main foundation, but still made room for rational ijtihad. In contemporary traditions, its application is more flexible by integrating linguistic, historical, and maqâshidî approaches. The main finding of this study is the formulation of a new rule: "It is permissible to take precedence over tafsir with al-ijtihâd as long as it does not contradict it, even if there is a history that interprets it." This rule emphasizes that the relationship between the two approaches is complementary, not dichotomous.