Principles of Quranic Interpretation: A Critical Analysis on the Methodology of Shah Waliullah

Trend of new interpretation of Quran is rampant among feminist, LGBTQ+ and other progressive groups nowadays. These interpretations drastically differ and break the methodologies of early scholars. After 9/11, the trend seems on the rise. Muslim scholars, expertise on traditional interpretation, also seem to silent or unheard due to the fear of being judged as fundamentalist. Shah Oaliullah’s book ‘Al Faujul Kabir Fe Usulit Tafsir’ (The Principles of Quranic explanation) was an unique book written in 1700s AD. This book follows the popular trend of interpretation of Quran. This book has relevance in contemporary context when progressive Muslims desperately try to interpret Quran without following any kind of context or principles. This research uses qualitative methodology. The textual analysis has been done on Shah Oaliullah’s book ‘Al Faujul Kabir Fe Usulit Tafsir’ (The Principles of Quranic explanation). This research finds out that Shah Oaliullah’s unique methodology to explain Quran can guide current interpreter of Muslims to maintain some basic principles. Shah Oaliullah does not prevent anyone to explain Quran rather he shows how majority of Muslim scholars maintained their principles to explain Quran to avoid misinterpretation of Quranic text.