Tafsir
The discipline of understanding the Qur’an’s meaning
Tafsir is the discipline of explaining the verses of the Qur’an and drawing out their meaning. It requires knowledge of the Arabic language, the occasions of revelation, abrogation and the principles of exegesis. Interpreting the Qur’an by personal opinion alone is impermissible.
كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
A blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they may ponder over its verses and that those of understanding may take heed.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) supplicated for Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):
اللَّهُمَّ فَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ، وَعَلِّمْهُ التَّأْوِيلَ
O Allah, grant him deep understanding of the religion and teach him interpretation.
Insights and practical principles
Tafsir by transmission
Explaining the Qur’an by the Qur’an, then by the Sunnah, then by reports from the Companions and Successors - the most reliable method.
Occasions of revelation
Knowing the circumstances in which a verse was revealed clarifies its meaning considerably.
Tadabbur - deep reflection
Not merely reading, but pausing to reflect - asking what the verse requires of one’s own life.
Respecting the limits
Not interpreting the Qur’an without qualification; referring instead to reliable works of tafsir and to scholars.
Related courses
Learning
A step-by-step foundation, from the Arabic alphabet to reading the Quran.
Arabic grammar, step by step
Build a practical foundation for understanding the Arabic of the Quran and Hadith.