Issues in which Muhammad Rashid Rida Disagreed with His Teacher Muhammad Abdu in Tafsir Al- Manar

Abstract

This study aims to explain issues over which Muhammad Abduh and Rashid Rida differ in the field of tafsir (Islamic exegesis). The thesis is entitled the Issues over which Rashid Rida Differs with his own teacher, Muhammad Abduh in Tafsir Al-Manar: An Analytical and Critical Study. This study investigates in a practical way the method followed by the two sheikhs in Tafsir Al-Manar. Investigating the differing issues between the two sheikhs during their lives gives a clear picture of their approach. This study includes four chapters and a conclusion with special focus on the approach used by the two sheikhs, first in laying out the foundation to deal with the issues of disagreement in the field of Tafsir and the sciences of Quran, second in explaining different issues they disagree on by setting a systematic comparison in order to identify the points of agreement and disagreement between the two. The study also includes the historical backgrounds of the two sheikhs and the methods they use in the field of Tafsir. It also deals with their views on Islamic doctrine and jurisprudence. Likewise, the study discusses their views on revival, their outcry for reform, and their role in advocating for renaissance of the ummah. The study captures how the two sheikhs dealt and interacted with the pressing issues that the Muslim world was faced by during their lives. The researcher uses inductive method to explain the methods employed by Rashid Rida to criticise his teacher, the Grand Imam on the interpretation of some verses. Similarly, the researcher uses analytical approach to find out the rationale behind the disagreement that occurred between the teacher and his disciple, and to come to a scientific finding that defines the method of the two sheikhs and the issues over which they differ. The research concludes that the method employed by Muhammad Abduh and his disciple depends chiefly on reason, which led them to go against some sharia-based concepts.