What is the difference between Ibn Abi Hatim al-Razi and Fakhr al-Din al-Razi and their Qur'anic exegeses?
Ibn Abi Hatim was one of the imams of the Sunnis. He was born in 240 AH in Rayy. He was pious and a حافظ (Hafiz - one who has memorized the entire Qur'an). His Tafsir (exegesis) is among the beneficial Tafsirs that distinguished themselves by interpreting the Qur'an with the Sunnah and the narrations of the Companions and the Tabi'un, with their chains of transmission (isnads). Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned it among the Tafsirs of the people of knowledge that are relied upon in interpretation. It was a reference for subsequent exegetes like Ibn Kathir and Al-Suyuti. He passed away in 327 AH.
As for Fakhr al-Din al-Razi, he was born in 544 AH. He was a brilliant scholar who authored many works. However, despite the benefits in his Tafsir, it included theological and philosophical issues and statements that were not appropriate for the verses, to the extent that it was said: "It contains everything except Tafsir." He presented the doubts of opponents with thoroughness, then presented the doctrine of the Sunnis weakly. Al-Razi himself admitted in his later life that the method of the Qur'an is the closest approach. The Tafsir of al-Razi should not be studied except by an advanced student of knowledge who can benefit from its advantages and avoid the innovations and erroneous doctrines it contains.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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