Anyone who reads the tafsīr would think it impossible for someone of that age to have written it, for it is the work of a mature scholar, firmly grounded in knowledge and its ancillary disciplines, and widely read. “That is Allah’s grace. He grants it to whomever He wills. And Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”

He wrote one copy and then commissioned another to be made for him. From my research and inquiries, it appears that only these two copies of the tafsīr were produced: the shaykh’s copy—may Allah have mercy upon him—and the copy he commissioned the copyists to make.

To clarify the matter, I shall set out the relevant details and describe both copies.

The First Copy

This is the copy that remained in the shaykh’s possession and belonged to him. As will become clear, it is for the most part in the shaykh’s own hand—may Allah have mercy upon him. Its description follows:

This copy comprises nine parts, which the shaykh—may Allah have mercy upon him—placed in nine volumes.

Volume One

On its cover he wrote: “Volume One of Taysīr al-Karīm al-Rahmān fī Tafsīr Kalām al-Mannān (The Facilitation of the Most Generous, the Most Merciful, in Explaining the Words of the Bestower), among Allah’s blessings upon His servant, the son of His servant and the son of His maidservant: Abd al-Rahmān ibn Nāsir ibn Abd Allāh ibn Sa‘dī.” (1) Above this, in the shaykh’s hand—may Allah have mercy upon him—and in small lettering, is written: “This title is taken from His words: ‘We have certainly made the Quran easy to remember, so is there anyone who will take heed?’ and His words: ‘They never bring you any argument without Our bringing you the truth and the best explanation.’” In the middle of the page, also in the shaykh’s hand, is written: “I began this blessed tafsīr on the first day of the month of () (2), in the year 1342 AH. I hope that Allah will bring it to completion by His grace.”

This volume is in the shaykh’s hand—may Allah have mercy upon him—and its marginal notes and revisions are likewise in his hand. It comprises (150) pages, with approximately (30) lines on each page. It begins with the introduction, followed by the commentary on al-Fātihah, and continues through the commentary on Allah’s words: “To Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He forgives whomever He wills and punishes whomever He wills. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful”—verse (129) of Āl Imrān.

Volume Two

It is in the shaykh’s hand—may Allah have mercy upon him—and comprises (192) pages, with approximately (30) lines on each page. It begins with the commentary on verse (130) of Āl Imrān, namely Allah’s words: “O you who believe, do not consume usury, multiplied many times over. Fear Allah, so that you may prosper.” It ends with the conclusion of the commentary on al-Anām.

Volume Three

It is in the shaykh’s hand—may Allah have mercy upon him—and comprises (214) pages, with approximately (25) lines on each page. It begins with the opening of the commentary on al-Arāf and ends with the conclusion of the commentary on Hūd.

Volume Four

It is in the shaykh’s hand—may Allah have mercy upon him—and comprises (129) pages, with approximately (26) lines on each page. It begins with the opening of the commentary on Joseph and ends with the conclusion of the commentary on the Night Journey.