Report on a Thesis entitled: “Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sa’adi and His Efforts in the Contemplation of the Qur’an”

Abstract

This academic thesis presents an in-depth scholarly study of Sheikh Abdurrahman ibn Nasir Al-Sa'di's contributions to the field of Quranic contemplation (tadabbur). The study systematically traces his methodological approach and examines his scholarly applications in this domain. The central research problem revolves around uncovering the theoretical and practical methodology adopted by the Sheikh in the practice of tadabbur, encompassing both its theoretical foundations and applied dimensions.

The researcher employed an inductive-analytical methodology to trace the Sheikh's statements across his various works, particularly his Tafsir and his book "Al-Mawahib Al-Rabbaniyya min Al-Ayat Al-Quraniyya," aiming to construct a comprehensive picture of his stance on tadabbur in terms of both foundation and application. The study's findings reveal the Sheikh's profound interest in grounding the concept of tadabbur theoretically and elucidating its importance, conditions, means, and impediments in accordance with scriptural evidence.

The study further demonstrates that Al-Sa'di employed a range of methodological tools in his contemplative applications, encompassing thematic, jurisprudential-principled (usuli), as well as linguistic and rhetorical indicators. The study concludes that the Sheikh stands as a rare scholarly model in the field of tadabbur, combining theoretical grounding with practical application, while emphasizing the connection of Quranic verses with lived reality and fostering an emotional engagement with the Quranic text.