What is Tafsīr (Exegesis)? Why is it So Important?
Tafsir linguistically means interpretation or explanation and in the Islamic context it refers to the scholarly discipline of interpreting and explaining the Quran.
It is not permitted in Islam to use our personal opinions to explain the Quran. The science of Tafsir is a rigorous science, established with rules and methodologies. A person who does the Tafsir of the Quran is called a Mufassir.
The purpose behind the Tafsir is to properly understand the meaning of the Quran as they were intended to be understood at the time of revelation and to draw guidance and insights from them.
What Are the Foundations of Tafsīr?
- Context of Revelation: The verses and chapters of the Quran were revealed based on circumstances, contexts and events. Knowing why and when a verse was revealed will give better clarity to its meanings.
- Linguistic Analysis: The Quran was revealed in Arabic. Hence, a Mufassir would need to have a deep understanding of the Arabic grammar, etymology, style, and rhetoric to understand the precise connotations of words and sentences.
- Explanation by the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions: The Prophet ﷺ, through his actions and sayings, explained the Quran , as recorded in the Hadith. In a narration of the Prophet ﷺ , it is said that his character was the Quran, meaning he embodied the Quranic teachings and principles in his life. The understanding of companions of the Prophet ﷺ, who directly learned from him and witnessed the revelation, is also a fundamental source of Tafsir.
- Intertextual Analysis (Quran explains the Quran): This method of Tafsir is explaining one verse of the Quran by comparing it to another. Quite often the themes in the Quran are elaborated on in different parts of the text.
Why is Tafsir Important?
Tafsir is important in the life of a Muslim. Here’s why:
- Appreciate God’s message and understand it in the way God wants us to: The Quran is God’s “letter” to mankind. Imagine receiving a letter from your loved one, how much care and attention would you give to it? The Quran deserves far greater devotion, as its the message from our Creator. Tafsir provides us the tools to better understand the verses and draw meanings from it.
- Avoid misinterpretations and misguidance: Without a structured standard anyone can draw their own meanings and interpretations as is the case with the Bible. Tafsir protects us from misinterpretations, ensuring that the interpretations are well-grounded on evidence from the foundations laid out above.
- Practically implement the Quranic teachings in our lives: The Quranic guidance is still relevant today, more than 1400 years later. Tafsir helps us understand the proper context behind the verses, so that we can practically apply the verses to different areas of our lives and be able to address contemporary issues, from bioethics to finance to social justice.
- Appreciate the linguistic miracle of the Quran: Tafsir allows us to appreciate the eloquence and beauty of the Quran as revealed in the Arabic language. It shows us that the Quran could not have come from anyone other than the Creator Himself, after all, how could the Prophet ﷺ, who neither read nor wrote, have produced the Quran, a masterpiece of the Arabic language?
- Understand the Islamic law (Shariah): Islamic law is built on two core sources, the Quran and the Sunnah (the way of the Prophet. Tafsir is essential to understand legal guidelines and jurisprudence so that we can practically implement them in our lives.
- Experiencing a connection with our Creator: Understanding and reflecting on the stories and journeys of the Prophets, descriptions of Paradise and Hell, and God’s attributes, all serve as reminders and strengthens our faith. Tafsir allows us to better understand the context and the wisdom behind the verses, all of which makes our experience in reading the Quran much more enjoyable.
One of the widely used and known Tafsir is Tafsir ibn Kathir. Tafsir is in place so that we not only recite the Quran but also fully understand and implement it in our lives. Through Tafsir, we gain clarity of the verses and are able to live by the Quran. But before deep diving straight to Tafsir, it’s best you first grab your Free Quran and start reading it for yourself, then as you have questions or want deeper insights into verses you can read the Tafsir for further clarity or reach out to us on our Hotline.