The four terms of the qur`an in the discourse of Maududi :an analysis of his methodology

Abstract

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi described the four key terms of the Qur’an, i.e., Ilah, Rabb, Ibadah and Din in his Qur’an Ki Char Bunyadi Istilahen in detail. He has shown that each of these terms does not bear only one meaning rather they have other meanings too. To reach the comprehensive meaning of any of these particular terms, he suggested to combine its all-probable meanings. However, many scholars criticise him for this interpretation. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to introduce this book, evaluate its features, its methodology of understanding and interpreting these four basic terms, and to examine his approach of theological, philosophical and rational interpretation. Therefore, this research attempts to ascertain how far it goes in line with the praiseworthy approach. This present study adopts the approach of textual analysis in dealing with these four terms. The exploration depends basically on his book, Qur’an Ki Char Bunyadi Istilahen, his comments about these terms in his monumental tafsir, Tafhim al-Qur’an, and his other writings that talk about these terms. The researcher found that whenever Maududi warned that the absence of true understanding might cause some people to commit some sorts of shirk unconsciously, he did not categorise them as Mushrik. Likewise, whenever he categorised the state or the society as jahili he meant that state or society has some characteristics of jahiliyyah. Throughout the discussion Maududi used the methodologies which are suggested by previous scholars of this field, thus, his explanation is valid and it can be said that he has combined tafsir al-Riwayah with tafsir al-Dirayah in explaining these terms. It can be perceived that here, Maududi emphasised much on Islamic state, where other acts of worship did not get enough importance.