تفسیر بغوی کی روشنی میں رسول اللہ ﷺکی آمد سے متعلق مباحث سیرت کاتحقیقی مطالعہ

A research study of the Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the light of Tafsir Baghvi

Abstract

This article presents a critical and analytical study of the prophetic glad tidings (bashārāt) concerning the advent of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as interpreted in Tafsīr al-Baghawī (Maʿālim al-Tanzīl). While the Qur’an explicitly refers to earlier scriptural predictions about the final Messenger, classical exegetes differed in their methodological engagement with these verses. This study examines how Imam al-Baghawī (d. 516 AH) approaches the relevant Qur’anic passages particularly those addressing the recognition of the Prophet by Ahl al-Kitāb and evaluates his reliance on transmitted reports, linguistic analysis, and theological restraint. Through qualitative textual analysis and comparative reference to major Sunni exegetical authorities, the research demonstrates that al-Baghawī adopts a balanced methodology rooted primarily in riwāyah (transmitted tradition) while cautiously incorporating dirāyah (reasoned interpretation). His treatment of inter-scriptural references to the Torah and the Gospel reflects both textual fidelity and doctrinal clarity, particularly in relation to the doctrine of the finality of Prophethood (Khatm al-Nubuwwah). The study argues that Tafsīr al-Baghawī provides a coherent and methodologically disciplined affirmation of Prophetic predictions within earlier revelations, thereby contributing significantly to classical Sunni exegetical thought and the theological understanding of Muslim-Ahl al-Kitāb relations.