How Should a Student Begin Studying Tafsir?

Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa

Question

How should a student begin studying Tafsir (Quranic exegesis)?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.

As for the science of Quranic exegesis, it is one of the noblest of the Islamic sciences that a Muslim student can study, and the highest of them, because it is connected to the best of speech, the speech of Allah, the Most High.

Additionally, Quranic exegesis is a vast science due to its connection to a book whose wonders never cease. Therefore, when studying it, one must follow the correct path that leads to a sound understanding of the speech of Allah (Most High) and His guidance.

As for where a student should begin studying Tafsir, it is necessary to:

1. Arabic Language

Learn the Arabic language, which is the language of the Quran—grammar, morphology, and rhetoric—for one cannot delve into understanding the Book of Allah without learning that.

2. Proper Tajwid

Learn the correct pronunciation of the words of the Quran and apply the rules of Tajwid (Quranic recitation rules) while reciting and reading it, for it is illogical to interpret the speech of Allah while not being proficient in reading it.

3. ‘Ulum al-Quran

Read and study books on the sciences of the Quran to understand the terminology related to the Quran, such as what is meant by Meccan and Medinan, decisive and allegorical, abrogating and abrogated, the revelation of the Quran and its reasons for revelation, the intended meanings of the readings and readers, as well as to also become familiar with some principles of interpretation.

There are many books on the sciences of the Quran that can be studied, including:

• “Manahil Al-‘Irfan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran” by Zurqani (d. 1367 AH).
• “Al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran” by Suyuti (d. 999 AH).
• “Al-Burhan fi ‘Ulum al-Quran” by Zarkashi (d. 794 AH).

4. Tafsir Books

The student should familiarize themselves with the introductions to the emergence of the science of Tafsir and the differences between the types of Tafsir books and their methodologies. This can be achieved by consulting the methodologies of the interpreters to understand their approaches in their books and becoming acquainted with the categories of Tafsir books so they understand what is meant by Tafsir through narration, opinion-based Tafsir, jurisprudential Tafsir, academic Tafsir, thematic Tafsir… and other categorized books in interpretation.

Furthermore, books on the methodologies of interpreters clarify the features of Tafsir books, as well as the criticisms and precautions found within them, so that the student is cautious not to adhere to incorrect ideas. For example, “Tafsir al-Kashaf” by Zamakhshari is considered one of the best types of Tafsir books, but attention must be paid to the philosophical elements present within it.

Some books on the methodologies of interpreters include:

• “Manahil al-Mufassirin” by Muni’ Bin Abdul Halim Mahmoud.
• “Al-Tafsir wa al-Mufassirun” by Dr. Muhammad al-Sayyid Hussein al-Dhahabi.
• “Al-Tafsir wa al-Mufassirun: (Foundations, Approaches, and Methodologies in the Modern Era)” by Dr. Fadl Hassan Abbas.

5. Principles of Tafsir

Reading books on the principles of Tafsir and its rules is an important gateway to delving into Quranic interpretation. Many books have been written on this topic, including:

“Muqaddima fi Usul al-Tafsir” by  Ibn Taymiyya. Note that this title (“Muqaddima fi Usul al-Tafsir”) was not authored by the author himself, but rather by Shatti, the Mufti of the Hanbalis in Damascus, who published the book in 1355 AH.

• “Al-Fawz Al-Kabir fi Usul at-Tafsir” by Wali Allah al-Dehlawi.
• “Usul al-Tafsir wa Manahijuh” by Dr. Fahd al-Rumi.
• “Fusul fi Usul at-Tafsir” by Dr. Musaid al-Tayar is a good book in its field as it elaborates on the topic of the principles of Tafsir in an easy and clear manner.

6. ‘Aqida Books

Reading books on ‘Aqida and sects so that the student becomes aware of opposing views and approaches with caution, as mentioned previously.

7. Quran Dictionaries

Paying attention to books dealing with the rare or unusual aspects of the Quran, of which there are many, including:

• “Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Quran” by Raghib al-Asfahani.
• “Al-Siraj fi Bayan Gharib al-Quran” by Khudayri.
• “Gharib al-Quran,” also known as “Nuzhat al-Qulub,” by Muhammad Sajistani, Abu Bakr al-Uzayri.

8. Concise Tafsir Books

Transitioning to reading concise Tafsir books, which are numerous, including but not limited to:

• “Al-Tafsir al-Wajiz” by Zuhayli.
• “Zubdat at-Tafsir” by Muhammad Sulayman Ashqar.
• “Taysir al-Karim al-Rahman” by Sa‘di.

9. Expansive Tafsir Books

Then, transition to reading and delving into expansive Tafsir books, which are numerous, such as:

• “Jami‘ al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran” by Tabari.
• “Al-Bahr al-Muhit ” by Abu Hayyan al-Andalusi.
• “Al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir” Ibn Ashur.

Note: Scholars have differentiated between Tafsir (interpretation) and the science of Tafsir, considering them two distinct entities, not one. The science of Tafsir is a later development compared to Tafsir itself and is more comprehensive, as Quranic interpretation has been present since the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his companions. Moreover, Tafsir is a part of the science of Tafsir. It can be said that Tafsir is a practical application, while the science of Tafsir is theoretical.

Summary

Lastly, I advise the questioner that if they aim to excel in the science of Tafsir, they should consistently engage with its books. Mastery and expertise cannot be achieved without this. Also, one should not limit oneself to a single interpretation of a Quranic verse; perhaps what is present in one interpretation is the most plausible opinion. Furthermore, one will always find something new in each Tafsir book, and although some may be more suitable for reading than others during the learning and seeking phase, Allah knows best.

May Allah send blessings upon our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and upon his family and companions.

And Allah (Most High) knows best.

[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa.