Dzair Tube Interview: Algerian Scholar and Politician Sheikh Aboudjerra Soltani Completes Landmark 25-Volume Quranic Exegesis After Twelve Years of Dedicated Work

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 11th, 2024 — In a historic contribution to Islamic scholarship, Sheikh Aboudjerra Soltani, the prominent Algerian intellectual and politician, has completed a 25-volume interpretation of the Holy Quran, a project he dedicated over 12 years to, working tirelessly in seclusion to bring clarity to the sacred text in the context of contemporary societal issues. In an exclusive interview with Dzair Tube, Soltani detailed the magnitude of his work, titled The Movement of the Glorious Quran in the Self, Society, and History, reflecting on its impact and aspirations.

The Quranic exegesis, amassing over 17,500 pages, presents a distinctive approach, weaving traditional interpretations with practical applications for today’s world. Soltani expressed that this work is intended to serve as a “realistic and accessible interpretation,” addressing human struggles through a language that speaks to both the current generation and those to come. His choice of sources was as expansive as it was meticulous, encompassing over 5,000 references from classical tafsir, Hadith, history, philosophy, and science, creating what he describes as a “holistic understanding of Allah’s words.”

“A Lifetime’s Dedication to Allah’s Message”

Sheikh Soltani, who isolated himself from virtually all commitments during this project, shared that his goal was to interpret Allah’s guidance for modern times without compromising the integrity of traditional Islamic scholarship. He spent significant time consulting with religious authorities and experts, not only in Algeria but across 16 countries, holding multiple sessions to refine the work and incorporate valuable insights from experts in Quranic studies. According to Soltani, his work received feedback from leading scholars through five sessions in Algeria and three international discussions, further enhancing its depth.

In a candid moment, Soltani stated, “I thank Almighty Allah for granting me the strength and health to complete this task, and I ask only that He accepts it. Let people judge my person as they will; what matters is that this work, produced purely for Allah’s pleasure, reaches those who need it.” His 165-page preface introduces over 35 fundamental concepts intended to prepare readers for the distinctive perspective presented in this interpretation.

A Modern Lens on Traditional Wisdom

Soltani’s interpretation, which he calls an effort to make the Holy Quran relevant to the unique challenges faced by the current ummah, delves into numerous socio-political themes with pragmatic insights from the text. “In my explanation of Surah Al-Naml,” Soltani noted, “I found inspiration in how Prophet Sulaiman accepted a report from a mere hoopoe without questioning its relevance to politics and governance.” Through such examples, Soltani illustrates the Quran’s inherent guidance on leadership, social responsibility, and moral justice.

Exploring both the stability of core Islamic tenets and the adaptability of interpretative thought, Soltani remarked, “The Holy Quran was revealed as a living book for all times. Over 1,500 years, scholars have drawn from its wisdom, addressing their eras’ challenges with fresh insights.” His commentary emphasizes that while matters of creed and divine law remain constant, the Quran’s wisdom extends universally, resonating with the evolving trials of humanity.

An Offering for a Nation in Search of Revival

Soltani’s commentary arrives at a crucial time, particularly for the Arab and Muslim worlds grappling with questions of identity, dignity, and reform. “This interpretation aligns with our people’s aspirations, addressing their concerns and providing divine solutions rooted in what transformed our early generations,” he shared. His preface includes over 40 essential Quranic sciences, asserting that “those quick to judge without reading are hasty; the truly great minds seek wisdom in ideas, while the small focus on personalities.” He urged critics to approach the work with patience and sincerity, advocating for a Quranic understanding unbounded by individual biases.

In the closing remarks of his interview, Sheikh Soltani reflected on the profound transformation the journey of this commentary imparted on him personally. “Over 12 years with the Holy Quran, Allah opened my heart to new understandings, changing my relationship with life and my devotion. I have ceased to dwell on people’s opinions, as Allah reminds us that we may dislike something that is truly for our betterment.”

Slated for imminent release, this groundbreaking work will be published by Dar Al-Shamiyah, with Dzair Tube honored to document and celebrate the Sheikh’s unparalleled academic and spiritual accomplishment. At 70, Soltani has not only completed an intellectual and spiritual legacy but has potentially laid a lasting foundation for future generations to rediscover the Quran in a way that mirrors their own world.

As he succinctly put it, “This is for Allah alone, a message not bound by time or place, that shall resonate as the Holy Quran promises to, in every heart open to its call.”

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