Reasoning from the Sayings of the Companions: A Research and Analytical Review of the Exegetical Methods of Contemporary Scholars in the Subcontinent

صحابہ کرامؓ کے اقوال سے استدلال: برصغیر کے معاصر مفسرین کے تفسیری اسالیب کا تحقیقی و تحلیلی جائزہ

Abstract

This study critically examines the exegetical methodologies employed by contemporary scholars in the Indian subcontinent, focusing on their use of the sayings of the Companions (Sahaba) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a source of reasoning in Quranic exegesis (tafsir). The research explores how modern interpreters integrate the Sahaba’s statements to elucidate Quranic meanings, addressing theological, legal, and ethical dimensions. By analyzing key tafsir works, the study identifies distinct approaches, such as reliance on authentic narrations, contextual interpretation, and reconciliation of divergent views among the Companions. It highlights the balance between traditional reliance on hadith and innovative interpretive techniques, reflecting the subcontinent’s diverse intellectual landscape. The analysis reveals that while some scholars prioritize the Sahaba’s direct narrations for doctrinal clarity, others employ them to address contemporary issues, adapting classical methods to modern contexts. Challenges include the verification of narrations and reconciling conflicting opinions. The study underscores the continued relevance of the Sahaba’s insights in shaping Islamic thought, offering a framework for understanding the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in Quranic exegesis. It contributes to the broader discourse on tafsir development in the subcontinent, emphasizing the role of historical narrations in contemporary Islamic scholarship.