Who wrote Al-Tafseer Al-Kabir?

Al-Tafseer Al-Kabir, also known as Mafatih al-Ghayb, is a classical and highly respected Qur’anic exegesis (tafsir) authored by Fakhr al-Din al-Razi (1149–1209 CE), one of the most prominent Islamic scholars of the medieval era. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi was a polymath, theologian, jurist, philosopher, and commentator, renowned for his intellectual depth and analytical approach to Islamic knowledge.

Unlike many earlier tafsirs, Al-Tafseer Al-Kabir is not merely a simple explanation of the Qur’anic text. Al-Razi incorporated philosophical reasoning, theological discussion, linguistic analysis, jurisprudential insights, and scientific reflection into his commentary. This comprehensive approach distinguishes his work as one of the most detailed and sophisticated tafsirs in Islamic scholarship.

Al-Tafseer Al-Kabir covers both the apparent (zahir) and hidden (batin) meanings of Qur’anic verses. Fakhr al-Din al-Razi addresses difficult theological issues such as divine attributes, predestination, free will, and the nature of the universe, making it highly valuable for scholars seeking an in-depth understanding of Qur’anic guidance. His method also engages with debates among different Islamic sects, thereby strengthening the intellectual foundations of Sunni Islam.

This tafsir has had a lasting influence on Islamic scholarship worldwide. Many later commentators and scholars frequently refer to Al-Razi’s analyses to resolve complex issues in theology, jurisprudence, and philosophy. While it can be dense and complex for beginners, it remains a key resource for advanced students and researchers of Islamic sciences.