Introduction to the Science of Tafsir of The Quran - Book Summary

1)      A correct approach towards the tafsir of the Quran

-          Before the twentieth century there were no works of tafsir for laymen.

-          Scholars considered tafsir mainly for academic benefit.

-          Pondering over the Quran was limited to the scholars.

-          This belief went directly against the purpose of the Quran (and they realized it).

-          The tafsir of the Quran should be such that it does not sideline the masses.

2)      Awareness of the rules of Arabic grammar

3)      Awareness of the meaning of the words in the Quran

-          Meanings of words change with time

-          Modern dictionaries may list tens of meanings of a word but there may just be one “original” meaning i.e. the meaning at the time of the revelation

-          Classical works and dictionaries such as Al-Maqayis, Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al Quran and a few others.

4)      Exegesis of the Quran through the Quran

-          Ambiguity in a verse may be clarified by another verse.

-          Example:

o   Baqarah, 210 “Allah comes to them” is explained by Nahl, 33 i.e. “command of Allah” comes.

-          This method of tafsir is used in Al-Mizaan.

5)      Examining the occasion of revelation of the verses

-          The verses of the Quran can be understood without referring to the history of their revelation.

-          Referring to the history makes their meaning clearer.

-          Example: Surah Tawbah, verse 18

-          It must be noted that the authenticity of the narration of history is critical.

6)      Examining the authentic ahadith

-          There is issues in the Quran which require explanation (Sawm, Zakah, Hajj, Khumus etc.)

-          There are general and absolute laws in the Quran whose exceptions and limitation appear only in sunnah.

o   Example: Interest is prohibited (2:275) but through hadith we know that interest between father / son and husband / wife is allowed.

o   Example: Business transactions are halal (2:275) but not the sale of alcohol and gambling instruments.

-          The Quran talks about “expounding” (Bayyana) the verses on various occasions. And the Quran puts the responsibility to explain on Allah and his prophet (Nahl:44, Qiyamah:16-19).

-          “whatever the Prophet gives to you, take it; and whatever he forbids you from, stay away from it…” (Hashr:7). If we ignore the hadith then we would be going against this verse.

7)      A consideration of the harmony between all the verses of the Quran

-          Not considering this point is one of the biggest reason for people breaking up into sects.

-          If one studies verses individually, detached from the other verses revealed on the same topic they will reach several incorrect conclusions.

-          The Quran consists of the following two characteristics:

o   Verses which are similar to one another

o   Often repeated (Zumar: 23)

-          Thematic Exegesis: All verses on a particular topic should be gathered, and keeping in mind the context of the verses they should be compared to each other and extract one outcome.

-          Sequential Exegesis: This is valuable but the only way to get a deeper meaning is through thematic exegesis.

8)      Awareness of the various viewpoints and opinions

-          A great deal of the understanding of the verses was clear to the Muslims during the time of revelation of the Quran because the context was known.

-          Over time the contextual understanding of the verses became challenging.

-          This is why other scholars viewpoints must also be considered since they may help in choosing an opinion or deflecting an error of judgement.

-          Not considering other’s viewpoints is technically still valid but is only recommended for those highly well-versed in the field.

9)      Distancing oneself from prejudgment

-          One should submit to the Quran not try to make it submit to your opinion.

-          May include some Baatni / Irfaani tafaasir.

10)  Having an awareness of the philosophical and scientific theories

-          There is a fine line between this and tafseer through prejudgment

-          Scientific and philosophical theories aid to enhance one’s thinking and get better understanding of the verses.

-          Ibn Abbas:

أَلقُرْآنُ يُفَسِّرُهُ الزَّمَانَ

-          Imam Zain-ul-Abideen on the initial verses of Surah Hadid:

نُزِلَتْ لِلْمُتَعَمِّقِينَ فِي آخِرِ الزَّمَانِ

11)  Understanding of the early history of Islam

-          A knowledge of the events during the lifetime of the prophet is essential

-          Many verses refer to expeditions, treaties and battles and other events.

-          Some of the recommended history books are:

o   Al-Sirah (ibn Haashim)

o   Murujul Dhahab (Al Masudi)

o   Imtiaul Asma (Al-Maqrizi)

o   Al-Kamil (Ibn Athir)

-          The entire content of the above books cannot be accepted; Several narrations go against logic and other events.

-           Sirah ibn Haashim is a summary of Sirah ibn Ishaaq, which is no longer available. Ibn Ishaaq was Shia and ibn Haashim was Sunni

12)  Familiarity with the history and stories of previous prohets

13)  Knowledge of the historical environment in which the Qur’an was revealed

-          The lifestyle and practices of the Arabs, for example:

o   Azlam (Animals slaughtered for idols such as wadda, suwaf, yaghuth, yafuq, Nasra)

o   Killing of infant females

o   Relationship with orphans

o   Examples of the desert and hot regions, such as mirage (Surah Nur,39)

14)  Knowing which verses are “Makki” and “Madani”

-          The tone of the two types of verses is usually very different.

-          Makki verses may be found in “Madani” Surahs and vice versa

-          Makki Verses:  

o   Muslims were an “unknown” group

o   Great emphasis on Tawheed vs. Shirk

-          Madani Verses:

o   Environmental was friendly to Muslims

o   Explanation of practical laws of Islam was possible

o   Verses related to furu’ din are Madani

Nahjul Balagha Letter 77

Imam Ali sent Ibn Abbas towards the Khawarij to debate with them, however offered him the following advice:

لاَ تُخَاصِمْهُمْ بِالْقُرْآنِ فَإِنَّ الْقُرْآنَ حَمَّالٌ ذُو وُجُوهٍ تَقُولُ وَ يَقُولُونَ... وَ لٌكِنْ حَاجِجْهُمْ 

بِالسُّـنَّةِ فَإِنَّهُمْ لَنْ يَجِدُوا عَنْهَا مَحِيصاً.

“In your debates and discussions with them (the Khawarij), never resort to replying to them with the Qur`an, since surely the Qur`an contains verses which have various probabilities and possibilities to them (in their meaning and understanding). You shall speak to them (with the Qur`an), and they shall reply to you (with the Qur`an) and thus, your discussion with them will be prolonged. Rather, debate them using the sunnah since surely in that there is the straightforward and unequivocal reply and they will find no way to misrepresent the truth.”