Public PhD Viva-Voce Examination of Mr. Mohammed Al-Sagheer Abdullah Qaid Al-Hajj, from the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University

Mr. Mohammed Al-Sagheer Abdullah Qaid Al-Hajj has been awarded his PhD degree form the Department of Islamic Studies, majoring in Qur’anic Interpretation and Sciences, from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. His dissertation, titled “Preferences of Al-Imām Abī Al-Fath Al-Daylamī in his Interpretation Al-Burhan fi Tafsir Al-Qur’ān,'” was successfully defended on Wednesday, 1 Rajab 1446Hijri, corresponding to January 1, 2025.

The Viva-Voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Post-Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
1. Prof. Ahmed Mohammed Qasim Madhkur, External Examiner – University of Hodeidah, Chair.
2. Prof. Ibrahim Abdullah Jaber Mohammed, Main Supervisor, University of Hodeidah, Member.
3. Prof. Bushra Ali Yahya Al-Imad, Internal Examiner, Sana’a University, Member.

The primary objectives of the dissertation included:
1. Introducing Imam Al-Dailami and his work “Al-Burhan” in the interpretation of the Noble Qur’an.
2. Highlighting the scholarly significance of Imam Al-Dailami and his contributions to Qur’anic interpretation within the context of Yemeni scholarship.
3. Uncovering the justifications employed by Imam Abi Al-Fath Al-Dailami, which encompass principles of religion, explanatory methods, fundamentalist reasoning, linguistic considerations, and others.
4. Compiling the weightings presented by Imam Al-Dailami in his interpretation and comparing them with the opinions of other commentators, thereby benefiting from the methodologies and efforts of various interpreters.

The dissertation yielded several significant findings, including:
1. The robustness of Imam Al-Dailami’s weightings, which are grounded in logical argumentation and proof, affirming his status as a fundamentalist interpreter.
2. A total of ninety-two weightings were identified, most of which have corresponding or opposing views among other commentators, with only a small number lacking identifiable agreement.
3. The diversity of weighting formulations utilized by Imam Al-Dailami includes: Likely formulations such as “the most correct” and affirmations like “the most correct and most appended.” Expressions such as “the strongest” and “the most precise.” References to evidence from the Qur’an, linguistic evidence from the Arabic language, or doctrinal references from the Ahl al-Bayt. Indications of weakness in other statements through phrases such as “it has been mentioned” or “may be.” Employing formulas to undermine alternative opinions through terms like “potential” or “it is permissible.” Instances where only one opinion is cited or where the most accepted view is presented while neglecting other plausible interpretations.

In his conclusions, the researcher proposed several recommendations, including:
1. Conducting a study and critical examination of the explanatory narratives attributed to the Ahl al-Bayt—peace be upon them—in conjunction with Imam Al-Dailami’s work “The Proof in the Interpretation of the Qur’an.”
2. Undertaking a comparative analysis of the weightings found in the jurisprudential opinions of Imam Al-Dailami as presented in “The Proof in the Interpretation of the Qur’an.”
3. Performing a study and verification of the narratives attributed to Imam Ali bin Abi Talib—may God bless his face—as narrated by Imam Al-Dailami in his work.

The Viva-Voce was attended by several academics, researchers, students, and several colleagues and family members of the researcher.