The Noble Quran is the greatest source of wisdom for mankind, and learning Tafseer of the Quran the correct method is unquestionably a wonderful value. Allah Almighty revealed the Quran to guide humans until the Day of Judgment and to seek contentment both in this world and in the Hereafter.
Allah SWT, in Holy Quran, mentions: “Verily this Quran guides to the Way that is the Straight most. To those who believe in it, and do righteous works, it gives the good news that a great reward awaits them. (Al-Isra: 9)
In addition, to naming ancient nations, the Quran provides remedies to all types of moral, economic, familial, and social life problems, as well as important knowledge on every current science. So, in order to obey Allah SWT’s commands, we must read and thoroughly grasp the meaning of the Quranic verses.
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Studying Quranic Tafseer
It goes without saying that Quranic interpretation does not come readily to anybody since each verse must be interpreted in the context of its revelation.
If you want to know how to study Tafseer of the Quran but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the correct place. In this post, we’ll explain what Tafseer is, how to learn it, and what varieties there are, followed by the greatest Tafseer learning online course.
What is Quranic Tafseer?
Tafseer or Tafsir is an Arabic phrase that translates as interpretation or exegesis. It entails pulling back the curtain and throwing light on any subject. This phrase is derived from the Arabic term Fassara, which means “to clear, explain, or decode.”
Tafseer is the correct understanding of Quranic passages, which includes Arabic syntax, grammar, literature, and Quranic sciences.
In other words, it is a body of knowledge meant to define what the Quran states, the orders upon which it is founded, and the context of its revelation.
In the Holy Quran, Allah SWT has explained the word Tafseer further:
“And they do not come to you with an example [i.e., argument] except that We bring you the truth and the best explanation”.
(Al-Furqan: 33)
It should be noted that learning Tafseer of the Quran is not a simple feat; no ordinary or common mind or understanding of Islam can accomplish it. Instead, it is carried out by people who have a substantial understanding of the faith and are well-versed in Islamic history.
Mufassir (Arabic: ) is a person who has a thorough understanding of Islam and the Holy Quran. A Mufassir is a blessed person in Islam because his comprehensive study of the Quran allows him to interpret or translate Allah’s message.
How to Learn Tafseer?
Now that the concept of Tafseer in the Quran has been explained, it is critical to understand how to study Quranic Tafseer. Following the path of Allah’s Apostle Muhammad (PBUH), his Companions (RAA) and new Muslims sought their comprehension of the Quran first from the Quran itself, then through the Messenger’s (PBUH) explanations and sayings, and finally from their own interpretation of the verses.
All of these approaches are still in use and will be used to decipher the genuine meaning of the Quran. For those wondering how to begin Quran Tafseer, the following ways are presented in a specific order, beginning with the most genuine and dependable and progressing to the least authentic and reliable:
1. Learn Tafseer through Quran:
Tafseer of Quranic passages utilising the Quran itself has always been the highest and most important approach. This strategy entails explaining one verse by referring to another. For example, if we ask if Allah SWT will pardon someone who commits the sin of polytheism, the following Quranic verse addresses the question:
“Surely Allah does not forgive that a partner is ascribed to Him, although He forgives any other sins for whomever He wills. He who associates anyone with Allah in His divinity has indeed forged a mighty lie and committed a grave sin’’.
(An-Nisa: 48)
However, Allah SWT assures us in another Quranic verse that He forgives even idol worshippers who honestly repent before leaving this world. This is the Quranic verse:
“Say (This is addressed to the Prophet), “O My bondmen who have been extravagant against themselves, (i.e., who have committed sins) do not feel despondent of the mercy of Allah! Surely Allah forgives guilty (deeds) altogether; surely He, Ever He, is The Ever-Forgiving, The Ever-Merciful.
(Az-Zumar: 53)
As a result, before seeking explanation or interpretation elsewhere, individuals inquiring how to understand Tafseer of the Quran and the meaning behind the verses must rely on the Quran to explain itself, because Allah SWT knows best what He intended.
2. Learn Tafseer Through Sunnah:
Sunnah is another way to learn the Tafseer of the Quran. The traditions of Allah’s Prophet (PBUH) are a secondary source of instruction for Muslims after the Quran. People learning Tafseer of the Quran might search for explanations of the Quran in the traditions and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In Quran, for instance, Allah SWT says:
“…and eat and drink until the white thread of the dawn becomes distinct from the black thread; then complete the fast up to the night…”
(Al-Baqarah: 187)
For this verse, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provided the following explanation: Narrated by Adi bin Hatim:
‘I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (PBUH)! What is the meaning of the white thread distinct from the black thread? Are these two threads?” He said, “You are not intelligent if you watch the two threads.” He then added, “No, it is the darkness of the night and the whiteness of the day.
[Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Thus, anyone seeking to gain Tafseer of the Quran should go to Sunnah, such as the Messenger’s Companions (RAA), who used to ask him questions about the Quran for clarification and received outstanding responses.
3. Learn Tafseer Through Aathaar:
Another method of how to learn Tafseer of the Quran is to learn it through Aathaar (the sayings of Companions (RAA) of Prophet (PBUH)). Many of them spent their lives with the Prophet (PBUH) and knew the Quran better than others, due to their knowledge of the circumstances of its revelation, their true understanding of it, and their righteous deeds.
Their explanations are based on the Quran since they were instructed to seek clarification first from the Quran and then from the Prophet (PBUH).
When they couldn’t identify the actual meaning of a verse in the Quran or Sunnah, they would develop an interpretation based on their knowledge of the circumstances of the verses. So, seeking the sayings of the Companions is another approach to studying Tafseer (RAA).
4. Learn Tafseer Through Language:
Another approach for individuals inquiring how to learn Quranic Tafseer is through language. However, keep in mind that literal interpretation in one language may not completely imply the verse’s real meaning.
Many occurrences occurred immediately following the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the era of his Companions (RAA) and successors.
There were many modifications in the Arabic language, and the lexicon began to lose its true meaning as a result of the adoption of foreign terms. That was the moment when an explanation of the Quran’s literal and grammatical meanings was required.
Some disparities in opinion are observed as a result of these natural changes in the language. This is seen in the following verse:
“You who believe, do not come anywhere near the prayer if you are intoxicated, not until you know what you are saying; nor if you are in a state of major ritual impurity- though you may pass through the mosque- not until you have bathed; if you are ill, on a journey, have relieved yourselves, or had intercourse, and cannot find any water, then find some clean sand and wipe your faces and hands with it. God is always ready to pardon and forgive.
(An-Nisa: 43)
The literal definition of lams in Arabic is “to touch.” Imam Al-Shaafi’ee and Maalik understood it to imply “hand contact.” Imam Abu Hanifa, on the other hand, referred to it as sexual intercourse. However, the Prophet’s wives stated that he frequently kissed them before praying, indicating that this scripture did not indicate contact.
As a result, in addition to understanding how to acquire Quran Tafseer correctly, it is important to examine interpretations done by many scholars/experts in appreciating the right meaning of the verse.
5. Learn Tafseer Through Opinion:
Opinion-based interpretation based on diligent examination of the previous four approaches is rational if it does not contradict any of those ways. Interpretation based on scientific, philosophical, or sectarian ideas is strictly banned.
Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) was reported to have said:
“If anyone interprets the Book of Allah in the light of his opinion even if he is right, he has erred.
[Sunan Abi-Dawud]
As a result, anyone inquiring how to study Quranic Tafseer should use this method only after exhausting the other four options. and have sufficient knowledge and research to accomplish so.
Conclusion – Why should You learn the Tafseer of The Quran?
You should learn the Tafseer of the Quran becasue Allah SWT has defined all aspects of life in the Holy Quran to help us stay on the correct track. And only if we all know what Allah has spoken in the Quran will we be able to discover the correct path.
As a result, it is critical for Muslims to understand how to read the Quran with meaning in order to live a life consistent with Islamic principles. If you’re wondering how to study Quranic Tafseer, here is the topic for you.
Given the significance of Quranic Tafseer, Bayanulquran academy offers the most complete and adaptable Online Quran Tafseer Course with incredibly gifted scholars who have received Islamic education from prominent universities.
Our certified teachers will assist you or your children understand the accurate interpretation of the Quran and the circumstances in which a specific verse was revealed through one-on-one interactive online Tafseer sessions. So, enrol in our online Quran Tafsir for Beginners course and receive a treasure that will help you live a prosperous life according to Islam.
❏ Read More: The Obligations Muslims Owe the Quran.
