methodology of al_kashf & al bayan fi tafsir el quran

abu ishaq tha’labi neishaburi is an outstanding iranian islamic scholar and exegete in the 4th and 5th centuries ah. tha’labi has been a distinguished scholar in different islamic sciences such as arabic literature (grammar and syntax, etymology, arabic word endings, and rhetorical sciences), hadith, interpretation, and the quranic sciences in his era. therefore, numerous students from near and far attempted to attend his classes to enjoy his knowledge and findings. tha’labi exegesis is a valuable and comprehensive work in the quran interpretation domain, and includes ideas and assertions of scholars from different sciences. since a considerable part of this exegesis is consisted of the traditions by the companions, the successors, and even the prophet’s family, it can be considered a traditional commentary. tha’labi’s just and fair attitude has brought about hither and thither use of the interpretative traditions by the prophet’s family (peace be upon them) in this worthy work. this has caused some prejudiced critics to target him with undue criticisms and censures. tha’labi’s outstanding scientific character and status has made the scholars and exegetes in the following centuries to use his commentary extensively in their own works. keywords: tha’labi, exegete, al-kashf va al-bayan, the prophet’s family, traditional commentary