Unveiling the Attributes of the Divine: A Scholarly Analysis of Qazi Bayzāwī’s Tafsīr Bayzāwī

Abstract

This study highlights Qadi al-Baydawi's allegiance to the Ash‘arite theological tradition while analyzing his interpretive approach to the divine attributes found in the Qur'an. To avoid any anthropomorphic undertones, Qadi al-Baydawi commonly uses ta’wīl (metaphorical interpretation) to explain Qur’anic terminology like al-ityān (coming), al-majī’ (arrival), al-istiwa (establishment), and others. Instead, he views these qualities as symbols of Allah's activities, including manifesting His will, using His authority, or controlling the universe. This method guarantees Allah's transcendence while adhering to logical and linguistic norms.

The commentary by Qadi al-Baydawi highlights the need to balance preserving the Qur'anic textual purity and adhering to theological precepts highlighting Allah's supreme glory and uniqueness. He avoids anthropomorphism by keeping the meaning of the Qur'an through metaphorical explanations, and he backs up his arguments with evidence from both the Qur'anic text and the larger Islamic theological discourse. His writings continue to contribute substantially to the understanding of divine qualities by guiding how to balance textual interpretation with the requirements of theological orthodoxy.