Public PhD Viva-Voce Examination of Mr. Zuhair Mohammad Hadi al-Faqih, from the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities

Mr. Zuhair Muhammad Hadi Al-Faqih has successfully awareded the PhD degree from the Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Arts & Humanities – Sana’a University, majoring in “Interpretation and Quranic Sciences”. His dissertation, titled “Agreements and Uniquities Between the Two Imamin Abil-Fath Al-Dailami and Al- Mawrdi In Their Two Books “Al-Borhan fi Tafseer Al-Qur’an”, and “An-nokat Wal Uyoun ” From the Beginning of Surat “Yunus” to the End of Surat “AlKahf”: A Comparative Study”. The defense took place on Thursday, Sha’aban 14, 1446 Hijri, corresponding to February 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

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. Bushra Ali Yahya Al-Emad – Internal Examiner, Sana’a University, Chair.
2. Prof. Ahmed Mohammad Qasim Mazqur – Main Supervisor, Al-Hodeidah University, Member.
3. Prof. Ibrahim Abdullah Jaber – External Examiner, Al-Hodeidah University, Member.

The primary objectives of the dissertation were to:
1. Introduce the two eminent scholars, Imams Abu Al-Fath Al-Dailami and Abu Al-Hassan Al-Mawrdi, along with their respective works.
2. Illuminate the points of agreement between the two scholars concerning readings, interpretation of legal verses, interpretation based on transmitted texts, and linguistic interpretation.
3. Differentiate the unique interpretative approaches of each scholar.
4. Analyze how each interpreter’s context and environment influenced their perspectives and interpretations.

The findings of the dissertation yielded several significant results:
1. The study encompassed a total of 343 issues regarding agreements or distinctions between the two scholars.
2. The two Imams concurred on 179 issues.
3. Imam Al-Dailami exhibited uniqueness in 16 issues compared to Imam Al-Mawrdi.
4. Conversely, Imam Al-Mawrdi was distinct in 148 issues relative to Imam Al-Dailami.
5. Both scholars demonstrated a commitment to presenting Quranic readings and guiding their interpretations without explicitly categorizing them as continuous or irregular.
6. They both acknowledged the reasons for revelation, although their stylistic approaches differed.
7. Both scholars emphasized linguistic analysis as a foundational principle in their interpretations.

In conclusion, the researcher proposed several recommendations, including:
1. Conducting a scientific study on the implications of literal interpretation and its impact on preference according to the methodologies of Imams Abu Al-Fath Al-Dailami and Abu Al-Hassan Al-Mawrdi in their works, Al-Burhan and Al-Nukat wa Al-Uyun (a comparative study).
2. Undertaking a scientific examination of the rules of interpretation as articulated by both scholars in their respective texts (a comparative study).
3. Compiling and analyzing Israelite narratives within Imam Al-Mawrdi’s interpretative framework.
4. Establishing a comparative interpretation course as part of the preparatory curriculum for master’s degree students, alongside courses in analytical interpretation and thematic interpretation, thereby equipping graduates with a comprehensive understanding of this discipline.

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