The scholarly and missionary efforts of Sheikh Muhammad Taha Al-Balisani (may God have mercy on him) in Baghdad

, ,August 2026 ,Pages 152-162

Authors

Prof. Dr. Qahtan Mahboob Fadhil Al-Lahibi ; Asst.prof.Dr. Mahj Ghanem Abdul Razzaq

DOI logo 10.17656/jzsb.12375

Keywords

Abstract

Throughout their glorious and rich history, the Kurds have provided living and eloquent testimonies in various fields of knowledge and science, demonstrating their love for learning, their pursuit of knowledge, their pride in Islam, and their defense of the Islamic faith. They have played significant civilizational roles in various religious, cultural, political, social, military, and scientific spheres.

Kurdish scholars have contributed to enriching the library of Islamic exegesis, producing heroic leaders and a constellation of commentators who offered distinctive perspectives, firsthand accounts, and monumental encyclopedias in the field of Quranic interpretation. Among these luminaries is Muhammad Taha al-Balisani.

From a young age, Sheikh Muhammad Taha al-Balisani dedicated himself to acquiring Islamic knowledge. He undertook numerous journeys to seek knowledge from scholars in Kurdistan and various Iraqi cities. He studied under many sheikhs and had many students of his own. As for his scholarly works, the Sheikh left behind many diverse legacies throughout his life and career, most notably his commentary on the Quran entitled "Hasan al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an" (The Excellent Explanation in the Interpretation of the Qur'an), written in Arabic. He began writing it on the 24th of Sha'ban 1406 AH (1985 CE) and completed it in 1993 CE. While his commentary combines transmitted and rational interpretations, it is noteworthy that he paid particular and significant attention to traditional interpretations and to the linguistic, grammatical, and morphological aspects more than other areas. The Sheikh also made considerable efforts in spreading the faith through teaching in mosques, graduating numerous students, and taking political stances that demonstrated his courage and rejection of injustice.

The Sheikh (may God have mercy on him) passed away in Baghdad in 1415 AH (1995 CE) and was buried in the Rawdat al-Awliya' (Garden of the Saints) in the cemetery of Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (may God have mercy on them both).

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