alTafsir

alTafsir is the Arabic term for exegesis or commentary on the Quran. It is the scholarly discipline concerned with understanding and interpreting the meaning of the Quranic verses. This field has a long and rich history within Islamic tradition, with scholars dedicating their lives to uncovering the intended meanings of God's revelations.

The primary goal of tafsir is to explain the context, vocabulary, grammar, and deeper theological and legal implications of the Quran. Commentaries are based on a variety of sources, including the Quran itself, the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad), the consensus of early Muslim scholars, and linguistic analysis.

There are various methodologies employed in tafsir. Some scholars focus on riwayah (narration), relying heavily on transmitted reports from the Prophet and his companions. Others emphasize dirayah (reasoning), using intellect and linguistic tools to derive meanings. Many tafsir works combine both approaches.

Over centuries, numerous renowned tafsir works have been produced, such as Tafsir al-Tabari, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, and Tafsir al-Jalalayn, each offering unique perspectives and insights. These commentaries are indispensable for Muslims seeking to understand their faith and practice it correctly, and they continue to be studied and debated by scholars today.