What Is Tafseer?
Quran Kareem is the book of Allah and is obligatory for Muslims to read and understand it. Allah sent this sacred book via Angels to his beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) so that one can attain success in life and hereafter. Al-Quran is a complete code of life and teaches morals, ethics, and Islamic principles. Quran Kareem has answers to every question; it unveils the secrets of the universe and talks about the purpose of man’s life. In Quran, Allah says, “And we have sent down the book to you as an explanation of everything, a guidance, a mercy and glad tidings for Muslims.” To understand Quran Kareem, the person should interpret it in their true senses and enhance their intellectual ability.
Now the question arises how to understand the Quran word by word? What is Tafsir? And what is the Tafsir of the Quran? Tafseer means to explain. Tafseer ul Quran is the true interpretation of Quran Kareem. It is the true explanation of the Quranic verses. Ordinary people cannot do the Tafseer of the Quran with no or less knowledge. Instead, only scholars having extensive knowledge of the Quran and Islam can do the Tafseer of the Quran. The Tafsir of the Quran aspire to provide a correct meaning of Quranic verses so that people can understand the message of Allah and act on it.
What is Tafsir and its Importance
The Tafsir of Quran Kareem explains the meaning of Quranic verses. One can interpret the message of Allah in its true sense with the help of the Tafsir e Quran. If you only consult the translation of the Quran, you will get the meaning of Quranic verses. But by Tafsir, you can get the idea that when the particular verse was revealed, the reason behind its revelation gives a proper meaning and context to the verse, and you can have a good understanding.
The Tafsir of Quran Kareem also helps extract the Islamic principles of Islam. The Quranic verses came with special instructions, and people can understand those instructions with the help of Tafsir. Also, the Islamic laws and principles can be easily understood by the hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H). But when it comes to Tafsir, it is the hybrid of Hadith and Quranic principles.
Furthermore, when interpreting the Quranic verses, one can interpret it wrong, or there is always a chance of ambiguity. But with the Tafsir of the Quran, you can interpret the verses in their true sense. In Tafsir, the scientific method for analyzing Quranic verses is available that deaccelerates the chances of ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Types of Tafsir in Islam
Enlisted are the two major types of Tafsir that will further elaborate on the importance of Tafsir and what is Tafsir in Islam.
Tafsir Bil Ray
The Tafsir Bil Ray is the type of Tafsir that is not based on the knowledge of the Quran and Islam but the analytical analysis, rationality, and reasoning. That doesn’t mean that they are random or false interpretations. But they are done by using the subjective approach and comparing and contrasting the Qur’anic verses, Hadiths, statements of followers of Allah’s beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H), and different scholars of Islam.
Tafsir Bil Riwaya
The Tafsir Bil Riwaya is the Tafsir in which several different sources of Tafsir are used. Some of Tafsir’s sources are the different Quranic verses talking about the same subject. The second source of Tafsir includes the sayings, statements, and the traditions of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). The doings and approvals of Allah’s last Prophet (P.B.U.H). Furthermore, the sources of Tafsir include the explanations and interpretations of Quranic verses done by the companions of (P.B.U.H).
Wrapping Up
Wrapping up, Tafsir of the Quran is essential if one wants to comprehend and interpret the Quran in the real sense. Also, as individuals read the Quran, questions emerge in their minds, and the solutions are found in the Quran itself. For instance, in Quran, Allah says, “We have indeed revealed this in a blessed night.” (44:3)
But this Quran doesn’t specify the night, and one may wonder which night Allah is referring to. But if one consults the other Quranic verses, which states, “We have indeed revealed this in the Lailat al-Qadr.” (97:1). As a result, you will receive the explanation that Allah refers to the Quran’s revelation on the Holy Night of Lailat al-Qadr. In a nutshell, Tafsir of Quran Kareem elaborates the meaning, context, and essence of Quranic verses.