Mabahith fi Ulum al-Quran: A Critical Analysis of Dr. Subhi Salih's

Abstract

This article critically examines the major discussions (mabahith) presented by Dr. Subhi Salih in his seminal work Mabahith fi Ulum al-Quran, analyzing his unique scholarly contributions to the field of Quranic sciences. The study explores seven core themes addressed by the author. The first concerns the revelation (nuzul) of the Quran, including debates over the first and last revealed verses, the chronological precedence of revelation on various topics, and the phenomenon of repeated revelation. The second examines the identification of the occasions of revelation (asbab al-nuzul), highlighting how ignorance of these contexts leads to misinterpretation, along with discussions on the sources of asbab al-nuzul, their multiplicity, and their role in determining legal rulings. The third discusses the memorizers and transmitters of the Quran, tracing the chain of transmission from the Companions through the seven renowned Imams of recitation. The fourth addresses the presence of non-Arabic vocabulary in the Quran and reconciles the differing scholarly positions on this matter. The fifth analyzes the concept of Quranic inimitability (i'jaz al-Quran), presenting various scholarly views on the nature and causes of this inimitability. The sixth covers the science of tafsir and ta'wil, their definitions, differences, and the foundational sources of Quranic exegesis. The seventh presents the tabaqat al-mufassirin, tracing the history of Quranic interpretation from the Companions to the Successors. The article further highlights discussions on Makki and Madani surahs, principles of Arabic linguistics relevant to Quranic interpretation, rhetorical devices, and rules of Quranic discourse. By comparing Dr. Subhi Salih's approach with that of other scholars such as al-Suyuti, al-Zarkashi, and al-Qattan, the article demonstrates the distinctive and comprehensive nature of his scholarly contributions to Quranic sciences.
Keywords: Ulum al-Quran, Subhi Salih, Maba2hith fi Ul2um al-Quran, Nu2zul al-Quran, Asbab al-Nuzul, I'jaz al-Quran, Tafsir, Ta'wil, Tabaqat al-Mufassirin, Makki and Madani Surahs, Quranic Inimitability, Occasions of Revelation, Quranic Sciences, Quranic Exegesis, Transmission of Quran, Arabic Rhetoric, Nasikh and Mansukh, Quranic Linguistics, Muhkam and Mutashabih, Classical Islamic Scholarship