Exploring the Qur’ānic Hermeneutics of Shaykh Aḥmad Musṭafa Al- ʿAlāwī: Illustrating the Degrees of Understanding in the Qur’ān

Abstract

This article explores the Qur’ānic hermeneutics of Shaykh Al-ʿAlāwī,
focusing on his interpretation of the degrees of understanding within the
Qur’ān. The study employs a qualitative content analysis approach, grounded
in hermeneutic theory, to uncover how Shaykh Al-ʿAlāwī’s esoteric exegesis
reveals deeper spiritual meanings of the Qur’ān beyond the exoteric level.
Through the examination of key verses and aḥadīth, this article illustrates the
validity and necessity of esoteric exegesis (taʿwīl) in Islamic scholarship. The
conclusion affirms that Shaykh Al-ʿAlāwī’s contributions to tafsīr, rooted in
Sufi thought, emphasize the importance of inner reflection for achieving a
complete understanding of the Qur’ānic message. This article recommends
that future studies further explore the application of hermeneutics in
contemporary Qur’ānic interpretation.