What is your opinion of the book "Safwat al-Tafasir" by Sheikh Al-Sabouni, and of those who say that his creed is Mu'tazili or Ash'ari, and similarly his interpretation of the Qur'an, and what are the books you recommend for the Muslim who is not specialized in matters of his religion and his worldly affairs?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The book "Safwat al-Tafasir" by Muhammad Ali al-Sabouni is a concise exegesis that combines both transmitted and rational interpretations. In it, he relied on famous exegeses such as those by al-Tabari, al-Kashshaf, and Ibn Kathir. The book has been widely criticized by prominent scholars like Ibn Baz, al-Albani, al-Fawzan, and Bakr Abu Zayd, due to the author's Ash'ari creed and the resulting doctrinal and methodological errors in his exegesis. These criticisms led to its prohibition and confiscation by the Saudi Ministry of Awqaf.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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