The sources of the al-Kashshaf tafsir

This study aims to identify the sources Zamakhsharî utilized in his exegesis and to clarify the original contributions attributable to him. Additionally, it seeks to examine the claim that al-Kashshâf is a summary of Hâkim al-Jushamî's exegesis. In this study, sources explicitly mentioned by Zamakhsharî are classified as explicit sources, while those that are unclear are categorized as potential sources that he may have utilized. The study evaluates similar and dissimilar information presented by the author, focusing on the context and style of transmission. It is evident that the literature on exegesis contains a vast accumulation of knowledge. Zamakhsharî benefited from the prior scholarship, incorporating many interpretations and views into his work. He utilized these sources either explicitly or implicitly. Sometimes he made literal transmissions, while at other times, he conveyed only the meaning. It has been observed that when transmitting information from memory, semantic shifts occasionally occurred. Regarding sources of narration, Zamakhsharî explicitly mentions only Sahîh Muslim and Sunan Abû Dâwud. There is no evidence that he referenced other hadith books, so these are considered potential sources. Due to the strong consistency with other exegeses, such as the narration-focused works of Tabarî and Tha'labî, these can be seen as potential sources of al-Kashshâf. In terms of linguistic exegesis, Zamakhshari relied on original texts and included the views of linguists such as Sibawayh, Khalil ibn Ahmad, Zajjaj, Farrâ, Akhfash, and Ibn Jinnî. The claim that Zamakhshari was a student of Hâkim al-Jushamî has not been substantiated. Likewise, no evidence has been found to show that al-Jushamî's exegesis reached Zamakhsharî. Based on comparisons between the two exegeses, it can be concluded that Zamakhsharî did not explicitly benefit from Hâkim al-Jushami.