Tafsir of the Qur’an – SS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Tafsir is the Arabic word for the explanation or interpretation of the Qur’an, which helps us understand what Allah means in His words.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain what Tafsir means.
2. Give reasons why we need Tafsir.
3. List the sources of Tafsir.
4. Name the types of Tafsir and describe each.
5. Name some famous books of Tafsir and their authors.
6. State the rules for proper Tafsir.

What is Tafsir?

Tafsir is the Islamic science that explains the meanings of the verses of the Qur’an.

• Meaning of the word: it comes from the Arabic word “fassara”, which means to explain or make clear.
• Purpose: it helps us understand the Qur’an, which is Allah’s word sent to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• What it does: it explains difficult words, tells why verses were revealed and shows how to follow the Qur’an’s teachings.
• Importance: it is one of the most important Islamic sciences.

Why do we need Tafsir?

We need Tafsir because some verses need explanation, some depend on the situation of revelation, and the Qur’an is in Arabic.

• Levels of meaning: some verses are clear, but others need explanation to be fully understood.
• Words with several meanings: some Qur’anic words can carry more than one meaning.
• Historical context: knowing when and why a verse was revealed helps us understand it.
• Specific situations: some verses were revealed for particular events, and Tafsir helps us apply them correctly.
• Language differences: people who do not know Arabic need help with the original meanings.
• Old Arabic words: even Arabic speakers today may not understand some old words.
• Proper application: Tafsir shows how to apply general principles to daily life.
• Avoiding misuse: it protects us from misunderstanding or misusing verses.

What are the sources of Tafsir?

There are five sources of Tafsir: the Qur’an itself, the Prophet’s explanations, the Companions’ explanations, language and grammar, and reason.

1. The Qur’an itself

• Method: some verses of the Qur’an explain other verses.
• Rank: this is the best source of Tafsir.
• Example: “dhulm” (wrong-doing) in Surah Al-An’am (6:82) is explained as “shirk” (associating partners with Allah) in Surah Luqman (31:13).

2. Prophet Muhammad’s explanations

• First explainer: the Prophet (peace be upon him) was the first person to explain the Qur’an.
• Proof from the Qur’an: “We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may explain to people what has been sent down to them” (16:44).
• Where to find it: his explanations are in Hadith, the records of his sayings and actions.

3. Explanations by the Companions

• Who they were: the Companions lived with the Prophet and learned directly from him.
• Why they matter: they witnessed when and why verses were revealed.
• Abdullah ibn Abbas: called “The Interpreter of the Qur’an”.
• Ali ibn Abi Talib: a Companion known for Tafsir.
• Abdullah ibn Mas’ud: a Companion known for Tafsir.
• Ubayy ibn Ka’b: a Companion known for Tafsir.

4. Language and grammar

• Grammar: Arabic grammar helps explain the Qur’an.
• Word meanings: we must know words as they were used at the time of revelation.
• Poetry: pre-Islamic and early Islamic poetry helps us understand words.

5. Reason and thinking

• Use: scholars use knowledge and thinking to understand verses.
• Condition: it must rest on strong knowledge of Islam.
• Limit: it must not contradict the Qur’an or authentic Hadith.

What are the types of Tafsir?

There are four types of Tafsir: bil-Ma’thur, bir-Ra’y, Mawdu’i and Ishari.

1. Tafsir bil-Ma’thur (based on narration)

• Meaning: it explains the Qur’an using the Qur’an, Hadith and sayings of the Companions.
• Reliability: it is considered the most reliable type.
• Examples: Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir At-Tabari.

2. Tafsir bir-Ra’y (based on opinion)

• Meaning: it uses reason and knowledge to explain verses.
• Condition: it must follow proper rules and not contradict Islamic teachings.
• Praiseworthy: based on sound knowledge.
• Blameworthy: based on personal desires or lack of knowledge.
• Example: Mafatih al-Ghayb by Fakhr ad-Din ar-Razi.

3. Tafsir Mawdu’i (thematic)

• Meaning: it collects all verses on one topic and explains them together.
• Benefit: it shows the Qur’an’s full teaching on a subject.
• Examples: verses about prayer, fasting or marriage.

4. Tafsir Ishari (spiritual)

• Meaning: it focuses on spiritual and moral lessons.
• Who does it: it is usually done by Sufis (Muslim mystics).
• Condition: it must not contradict the apparent meaning of the verses.

What are the famous books of Tafsir?

The famous books of Tafsir include At-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, Al-Qurtubi, Al-Kashshaf and Fi Zilal Al-Qur’an.

What are the rules for proper Tafsir?

The rules for proper Tafsir are guidelines that keep an explanation of the Qur’an correct and free from error.

1. Start with the Qur’an: look for explanations within the Qur’an first.
2. Use authentic Hadith: use only reliable sayings of the Prophet and avoid weak or fabricated ones.
3. Understand the language: know word meanings as used during revelation and the rules of Arabic grammar.
4. Know the context: learn when and why verses were revealed (Asbab An-Nuzul) and the customs of that time.
5. Consider all relevant verses: look at every verse on a topic and do not take verses out of context.
6. Avoid personal bias: do not let your own opinions change the meaning, and follow the evidence.
7. Respect the consensus of scholars: be careful about contradicting what scholars agree on, and know the different opinions first.

What are the benefits of studying Tafsir?

Studying Tafsir gives us a clearer understanding of the Qur’an and helps us practise Islam correctly.

• Better understanding: it shows what Allah is telling us and clears up confusion about meanings.
• Stronger faith: understanding the Qur’an increases faith and helps us feel closer to Allah.
• Better practice of Islam: it shows us how to apply the Qur’an’s teachings in our lives.
• Protection from mistakes: it prevents misunderstanding of verses and wrong interpretations.
• Deeper appreciation: it shows the beauty and wisdom of the Qur’an.

How do we start studying Tafsir?

We start studying Tafsir with simple books, one surah at a time, under the guidance of knowledgeable teachers.

1. Start with easy books: begin with Tafsir books written for beginners, then move to more detailed works.
2. Study one surah at a time: finish one chapter before moving to another, to understand its context.
3. Join classes or listen to lectures: learn from knowledgeable teachers and ask questions.
4. Compare Tafsir books: see how different scholars explain the same verses.
5. Apply what you learn: use it to improve your character and actions, since Tafsir is for practice as well as knowledge.

Evaluation

1. What does the word Tafsir mean, and which Arabic word does it come from?
2. Give three reasons why we need Tafsir.
3. List the five sources of Tafsir.
4. Name the four types of Tafsir. Which one is considered the most reliable?
5. Name two famous books of Tafsir and their authors.

Assignment

Choose one type of Tafsir and explain it in your own words, with one example. Then state five rules that a person must follow when doing Tafsir.