An Analytical Study of Terms Attributed to the Jumhūr (Majority) in Rūḥ al-Maʿānī by al-Ālūsī: The Case of Sūrat al-Anbiyāʾ

This This study analyzes the terms attributed to the majority in al-Ālūsī’s Rūḥ al-Maʿānī, within a theoretical framework based on semantic analysis and comparative exegesis. A descriptive–analytical method supported by content analysis tools was employed to collect the relevant terms from the exegesis of Sūrat al-Anbiyāʾ, focusing on four key issues selected for their semantic significance and frequency in exegetical works. The findings reveal that al-Ālūsī was generally precise in attributing most views to the majority, though some cases showed discrepancies between his descriptions and the actual statements of exegetes. The study contributes to Qurʾānic scholarship by offering a critical model for examining the attribution of exegetical positions and recommends establishing clear criteria for defining the notion of “the majority” in tafsīr studies.