Commentary: On Daniel

Daniel al-Qūmisī’s partially surviving Hebrew scriptural commentaries are the most important source for reconstructing the thought of this profoundly influential early Karaite ideologue. Scriptural exegesis was one of the primary modes of expression of early Karaism, as Karaite authors asserted their allegiance to the text of the Hebrew Bible. Thought to offer insight into future events, the book of Daniel attracted a great deal of messianic speculation, as well as reflections on the ongoing relevance of prophetic visions. In this excerpt, al-Qūmisī understands Daniel 11 to refer to the Muslim conquest of Palestine in the mid-seventh century and the Muslim battles with the Byzantine Empire from the mid-seventh century onward. Later Karaites shared some of al-Qūmisī’s perspectives and were clearly inspired by his approach.