This study examines Al-Alusi’s methodology in directing the interpretive statements of early scholars (Salaf) toward illustrative interpretation within his exegesis, Ruh al-Ma‘ani. It explores how Al-Alusi cited, analyzed, and clarified the views of predecessors, employing both inductive and analytical approaches to trace and evaluate his use of interpretation by example. The research is structured with an introduction—defining Al-Alusi, his commentary, and the concepts of exegesis and illustrative interpretation—followed by two main sections: the first outlining his methodological framework, and the second addressing specific issues of applying illustrative interpretation in his commentary. Key findings highlight Al-Alusi’s careful citation and summarization of Salaf interpretations, his emphasis on making general meanings explicit when applying illustrative interpretation, and his adherence to the tradition of earlier commentators such as Al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, Ibn Atiyya, and Abu Hayyan, while also offering unique applications of illustrative interpretation to certain statements of the early scholars.