بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ السَّلَامِ
1446 - شَوَّال الْمُكَرَّم
الْمُؤْمِنِ الْمُهَيْمِنِ الْعَزِيزِ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ
L O A D I N G
Meaning of Tafsir - Islamic Dictionary
Tafsir
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Tafsir

تفسير
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Tafsir is the "Exegesis" or interpretation of the Quran. Its goal is to uncover the meanings, legal rulings, and wisdom behind the Divine verses. A "Mufassir" (Interpreter) must have mastery over classical Arabic, grammar, history, and Hadith. The best Tafsir is the Quran explaining itself, followed by the Prophet’s explanations. Tafsir is the bridge that connects the eternal words of Allah to the practical understanding of the believer in every age and culture. There are various methods of Tafsir. Tafsir bi-al-Ma'thur relies on the Quran, Hadith, and the sayings of the companions and their successors to explain the text. The most famous work in this category is Tafsir Ibn Kathir. Tafsir bi-al-Ra'y uses reasoned analysis and scholarly interpretation, exemplified by works like Tafsir al-Tabari and Tafsir al-Razi. Tafsir al-Quran bi-al-Quran interprets verses by referencing other verses of the Quran, as the Quran is its best explanation. Tafsir bi-al-Sunnah uses the Prophet's teachings to explain Quranic passages. The conditions for Tafsir are strict to prevent misinterpretation. The Prophet warned: "Whoever speaks about the Quran without knowledge, let him take his seat in the Fire" (Tirmidhi). A Mufassir must have deep knowledge of Arabic language, grammar, and rhetoric; knowledge of the science of Hadith; knowledge of the reasons for revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul); knowledge of abrogation (Nasikh wa Mansukh); and a sound understanding of Islamic theology. Tafsir is essential for deriving rulings, understanding the Quran's guidance, and applying its teachings to new situations. For believers, Tafsir is the key to unlocking the depth of the Quran, moving beyond mere recitation to comprehension and implementation. It ensures that the Quran remains a living, relevant guide for every generation.

Category: Quran

Added: February 23, 2026

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