The Exegetical Consensus in the Commentary of Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī

Abstract

The focus of the present study is the scholarly consensus of exegesis scholars in Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s book Al-Tafsīr al-Kabīr, examining how he presents scholarly consensus and demonstrating the authenticity of the consensus mentioned by al-Rāzī. The nature of the study required the application of four research methodologies: inductive, observational, analytic, and comparative. Several key findings were emphasized, most notably that there are various ways of mentioning consensus. The most frequent approach is mentioning consensus on the meaning of a verse. Another method involves mentioning consensus to specify the meaning of a verse or the category intended in the verse. Additionally, consensus may be mentioned in relation to the occasion of the verse's revelation or to refute the views of a deviant sect. The study also highlights instances where al-Rāzī refutes positions that do not align with the consensus. Furthermore, the majority of exegetical consensuses found in the book are valid, with no significant conflicts. However, some of the exegetical consensuses reflect the opinion of the majority of scholars rather than an actual consensus.