Al-Sheikh Kesu Daraz, the Sufi Commentator: His Life, Views on Sufism, and Contributions to the Arabic Language and the Noble Qur’an

الشيخُ كيسو درازُ المفسِّرُ الصوفيُّ: حياتُهُ، آراؤهُ في التصوفِ، وجهودُهُ في خدمةِ اللغةِ العربيةِ والقرآنِ الكريمِ

Abstract

Arabic, being the language of Islam and the Qur’an, has held a central place in the religious and intellectual history of Muslims across the globe. In the Indian subcontinent, Arabic was not just the language of religious texts but also a medium of intellectual discourse among scholars. One of the eminent figures who contributed to this legacy was Al-Sheikh Kesu Daraz, a renowned Sufi, commentator, scholar, and jurist. He played a crucial role in preserving and propagating Arabic as a language of Islamic scholarship in South Asia. His literary and mystical writings, particularly his Qur’anic interpretations, reflect deep spiritual insight and linguistic mastery. Sheikh Kesu Daraz not only engaged in academic discourse but also addressed social and spiritual reform through the medium of Arabic. His contributions included several works on Qur’anic exegesis, Sufi doctrines, and Arabic linguistics. This article presents a comprehensive study of his life, focusing on his mystical interpretations of the Qur’an, his stance on Sufism, and his service to the Arabic language. It highlights the cultural and intellectual bridge he helped establish between Arab Islamic heritage and the Indian subcontinent. By examining his thoughts and legacy, the article aims to shed light on a pivotal figure whose influence remains significant in the development of Islamic scholarship and spiritual thought in the region.