Baḥr al-ÿUlà «m (), commonly known as Tafsir al-Samarqandi () authored by 10th-century Sunni scholar Abà « al-Layth al-Samarqandë. It stands as one of the earliest comprehensive QurþÃÂnic commentaries, and is regarded as one of the âÂÂmaá¹£ÃÂdirâ (primary sources) in tafsër. It is classified as tafsër bi-l-maþthà «r (based on transmitted reports), drawing from the Qur'an, hadith, sayings of the Companions, and the Followers (Tabi'un and Tabi' al-Tabi'in). In this tafsër, al-Samarqandë combines linguistic, juristic, and theological analysis with moral and spiritual reflection, making it a rich resource for both scholars and students. He rarely cites weak reports, and when he does, he mentions them cautiously.
The title Baḥr al-ÿUlà «m was not the original title given by the author himself, but became the conventional name in later generations. The more likely original title was simply Tafsër al-Qur'ÃÂn (The Commentary on the QurâÂÂan), or Tafsër al-Qur'ÃÂn al-ÿAáºÂëm, or Tafsër Abë al-Layth. However, the most widely used title now is Tafsir al-Samarqandi.
ImÃÂm Abà « al-Layth al-Samarqandë's work entitled Tafsër al-Samarqandë (Baḥr al-ÿUlà «m) presents a careful and methodical approach to the QurþÃÂnic verses of rulings (ÃÂyÃÂt al-aḥkÃÂm). His commentary draws on a wide range of sources, including the QurþÃÂn itself, Prophetic traditions, the sayings of the Companions and Successors, variant readings (qira'at), and linguistic and legal evidence. While his tafsër is primarily rooted in the transmitted (maþthà «r) tradition, he does not rely on narration alone. Al-Samarqandë also employs rational and legal reasoning where necessary, offering critical observations on transmitted reports to clarify meanings and resolve difficulties. This balance between transmission and reflection gives his work both authenticity and analytical depth.
Abà « al-Layth al-Samarqandë drew upon the linguistic heritage of early philologists such as Abà « ÿUbaydah Maÿmar ibn al-MuthannÃÂ, whose influence is evident in his attention to the eloquence and structure of QurþÃÂnic expression. His tafsër gives particular emphasis to the reasons for revelation (asbÃÂb al-nuzà «l), the differences in QurþÃÂnic recitation, and the discussions of abrogation (naskh), reflecting a comprehensive awareness of the interpretive sciences. Alongside his reliance on transmitted material, al-Samarqandë includes narrative accounts, among them the IsrÃÂþëliyyÃÂt, to expand upon prophetic stories and historical contexts. Moreover, his commentary occasionally reveals a spiritual and reflective dimension, making him one of the early figures whose exegetical style anticipates the later development of Sufi interpretation (ishÃÂrë). The tafsir addresses theological matters, questions of creed, the principles of belief (usul al-Din), and the pillars of Islam, while also examining legal issues and differing scholarly opinions.
The book became very famous and circulated widely, preserved in multiple manuscripts. Some modern editions and studies include:
This tafsër (Baḥr al-ÿUlà «m) has been critically edited several times. Among those who worked on it are: ÿAlë Muḥammad Muÿaá¸Âá¸Â, ÿÃÂdil Aḥmad ÿAbd al-Saÿëd, and Dr. ZakariyyàÿAbd al-SalÃÂm. The earliest major academic effort was the edition carried out for a MasterâÂÂs thesis at Baghdad University in the year 1971 CE, which was published in three complete volumes. This edition was prepared by Muḥsin Muá¹£á¹ÂafÃÂ.
Al-Samarqandi's exegesis gained considerable popularity during the fifteenth century, leading to its translation into Turkish language several times during the Ottoman period.