Tafsir - Semester 1 - Lecture 9 | Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin | Zad Academy English

Summary

In this lesson, the speaker discusses the methodologies of interpreting the Glorious Quran, focusing on two main approaches: one based on reports from the Prophet Muhammad, his companions, and early scholars, and the other based on personal opinion. The lesson highlights how interpretation can be rooted in Quranic verses themselves, the Sunnah (Prophet's teachings), or the understanding of early scholars. Examples are provided to explain the process of interpretation, emphasizing the importance of scholarly commentary and the need for accurate understanding of the Quran.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alhamdulillah, the lesson begins with praise for Allah and the Prophet Muhammad, acknowledging the importance of knowledge in Islam.
• 😀 The lesson covers the methodologies of Quranic interpretation (Tafsir), focusing on two main approaches: one based on reports from the Prophet, his companions, and scholars, and the other based on personal opinion and interpretation.
• 😀 The first methodology is based on reports from the Prophet Muhammad, the companions (Sahabah), and early scholars (Tafsir bi al-ma'athir), ensuring the interpretation stays true to authentic sources.
• 😀 The second methodology focuses on personal interpretation, where scholars use their understanding of the Quran and apply logical reasoning to derive meanings.
• 😀 It is emphasized that when reading books on Tafsir, one must choose works that have been reviewed by experts, ensuring the accuracy of the interpretation.
• 😀 Tafsir is divided into four main types: Tafsir by the Quran itself, Tafsir by the Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad's sayings and actions), Tafsir by the companions, and Tafsir by later scholars.
• 😀 An example of Tafsir by the Quran itself is the explanation of 'the straight path' in Surah Al-Fatiha, where the subsequent verses clarify its meaning.
• 😀 Tafsir by the Sunnah refers to interpretations given by the Prophet Muhammad, such as the clarification of the meaning of fasting by explaining the 'white thread from the black thread' in the context of dawn.
• 😀 Tafsir by the companions and scholars often involves the application of understanding from those close to the Prophet, such as the case of Abdullah ibn Abbas who explained the meaning of certain verses from their contextual knowledge.
• 😀 The lesson concludes by emphasizing the importance of acquiring beneficial knowledge that can guide individuals both in this life and the hereafter, with the hope of learning more in future lessons.

Q & A

What are the two main methodologies of Tafsir (interpretation of the Quran)?

The two main methodologies of Tafsir are 'based on reports' and 'based on opinion'. The first is based on reports from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the companions, and the scholars. The second is based on the interpretation and opinion of scholars who analyze the Quran.

What does 'based on reports' methodology in Tafsir involve?

'Based on reports' methodology involves interpreting the Quran through authentic reports from the Prophet (PBUH), his companions, and scholars. This can include explanations derived from the Sunnah, historical context, or linguistic interpretations.

How does the Quran explain its own meanings?

The Quran explains its own meanings through cross-references in its verses. An example is where one verse clarifies the meaning of a previous verse, such as the explanation of the 'straight path' in Surah Al-Fatiha.

What is the role of the Sunnah in Tafsir?

The Sunnah plays a crucial role in Tafsir by offering the interpretation of the Quran through the actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet often clarified the meanings of verses when asked by his companions.

Can you provide an example of a misunderstanding of a Quranic verse and its correction by the Prophet (PBUH)?

An example is when a companion misunderstood the meaning of an Ayah about fasting, thinking it referred to distinguishing between physical black and white threads. The Prophet (PBUH) corrected this misunderstanding, explaining that it referred to the white thread of dawn and the black thread of night.

What does the term 'Tafsir al-Quran' refer to?

Tafsir al-Quran refers to the interpretation or explanation of the meanings of the Quran. This can be done through various methods, including using reports from the Prophet (PBUH), his companions, and scholars.

What is the significance of scholarly works like those by Ibn Kathir in Tafsir?

Scholarly works like those by Ibn Kathir are significant because they compile interpretations based on reports from the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions. These works serve as comprehensive references for understanding the Quran's meanings.

What is the importance of reviewing books in Tafsir before studying them?

It is important to review books in Tafsir before studying them to ensure that the methodology used by the author is sound and that the interpretations are based on authentic sources, such as reports from the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions.

What are the four types of 'based on reports' Tafsir mentioned in the lesson?

The four types of 'based on reports' Tafsir are: (1) Tafsir by the Quran itself, (2) Tafsir by the Sunnah (Prophet’s explanation), (3) Tafsir by the Companions, and (4) Tafisir by the later scholars, who compiled and reported the interpretations of earlier scholars.

What role did the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) play in Tafsir?

The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) played a crucial role in Tafsir by offering explanations and interpretations of the Quran based on their understanding, either from the Prophet’s teachings or their personal insights, and sometimes seeking clarification directly from him.