Baidawi’s Tafsir of Al-Fatiha

Baidawi’s Tafsir of Al-Fatiha is a part of the Tafsir al-Baydawi, a classical Islamic commentary (tafsir) on the Qur’an, written by the scholar Al-Qadi Al-Baydawi (d. 685 AH/1286 CE). The work is highly regarded in traditional Islamic scholarship for its concise and comprehensive explanations of the Qur’an’s verses. Al-Baydawi builds upon the earlier work of Al-Zamakhshari, particularly his Al-Kashshaf, but provides more orthodox interpretations, especially in matters of theology.

The section on Surah Al-Fatiha, which is the opening chapter of the Qur’an, delves into the linguistic, theological, and legal aspects of the chapter. Al-Baydawi explains the meanings of key terms, such as Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah) and Rabb (Lord), and discusses their implications for the understanding of God’s attributes. He also elaborates on the themes of divine mercy, guidance, and the importance of seeking help from Allah.

This tafsir is known for its balance between linguistic analysis and theological reflection, making it an important resource for students and scholars of classical Islamic studies. It is often used in traditional madrasa settings and is studied by those seeking a deep understanding of the Qur’anic text and classical Islamic thought.