which is the best tafsir of quran Dr Zakir Naik #HUDATV

Summary

The speaker discusses the best Tafsirs (commentaries) of the Quran, highlighting Tafsir al-Tabari and Tafsir ibn Kathir as the top choices for scholars and students of knowledge. Al-Tabari is praised for its comprehensive collection of views, while Ibn Kathir is highly regarded for its depth. In English, the abridged version of Tafsir ibn Kathir, translated by Darussalam, is recommended. Additionally, Tafsir As-Sa'di is praised for its simplicity. For English translations, the Noble Quran by Hilali and Khan is mentioned, along with the revised edition of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation.

Takeaways

• 📚 The two best Tafsirs of the Quran are unanimously considered to be by Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir.
• 🕌 Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari's Tafsir is highly regarded, written in the 3rd century of Hijri, and considered comprehensive and scholarly.
• 📖 Ibn Kathir's Tafsir, written around 450 years later, is another highly respected work, known for referencing multiple opinions from various Tafsirs before providing his own view.
• 📑 Al-Tabari’s Tafsir is more suitable for scholars due to its depth and complexity, while Ibn Kathir’s is accessible to both scholars and students of knowledge.
• 🌍 Tafsir al-Jalalayn, written by Jalal al-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti, is another notable Arabic Tafsir, simpler and widely respected.
• 📕 Tafsir al-Tabari has not been translated into English, but Tafsir Ibn Kathir has been translated, and the best English translation is published by Darussalam.
• 🔍 Darussalam’s English translation of Ibn Kathir is an abridged version, carefully curated under the supervision of Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri.
• 📘 Another valuable English Tafsir is by Abdul Rahman al-Sa’di, known for its simple language and clarity, also available through a good translation.
• 📗 The Noble Quran by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan and Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din al-Hilali is also highly recommended for its translation and commentary.
• 📝 Among simple Quran translations, Abdul Majid Daryabadi’s work is also notable, especially for comparative religion insights, though not as detailed as Ibn Kathir or al-Sa’di.

Q & A

What are the two best Tafseers (commentaries) of the Quran according to the speaker?

The two best Tafseers are 'Tafseer Al-Tabari' written by Imam Muhammad Ibn Jarir Al-Tabari and 'Tafseer Ibn Kathir' by Imamuddin Ismail Ibn Umar Ibn Kathir.

Who was Imam Muhammad Ibn Jarir Al-Tabari and when did he live?

Imam Muhammad Ibn Jarir Al-Tabari was a renowned Islamic scholar born in 224 Hijri and died in 310 Hijri. He authored one of the best Tafseers of the Quran.

What makes Tafseer Al-Tabari special according to the speaker?

Tafseer Al-Tabari is considered the best Tafseer as it includes detailed research, presents the views of various scholars, and sometimes offers the author's opinion on matters. It is known for its depth and is highly regarded by scholars.

How does Tafseer Ibn Kathir differ from Tafseer Al-Tabari?

Tafseer Ibn Kathir is highly regarded as well, but it is more concise than Tafseer Al-Tabari. Ibn Kathir gathers the opinions of earlier scholars and sometimes presents his own opinion.

Which Tafseers are recommended for advanced scholars and students of knowledge?

Tafseer Al-Tabari and Tafseer Ibn Kathir are considered excellent for both scholars and students of knowledge, but Tafseer Al-Tabari is more suited for scholars of a higher level due to its depth.

Which Tafseer in Arabic is mentioned as being concise and easy to understand?

Tafseer Al-Jalalayn, written by Jalaluddin Al-Mahalli and Jalaluddin Al-Suyuti, is mentioned as being concise and easier to understand, making it widely used.

What is the best English translation of the Quran according to the speaker?

The best English translation recommended is the Abridged version of Tafseer Ibn Kathir, published by Darussalam, translated by a team under the supervision of Sheikh Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri.

What are the notable features of the Darussalam version of Tafseer Ibn Kathir?

The Darussalam version of Tafseer Ibn Kathir is abridged, removing opinions that are not based on strong evidence, and presents a concise yet accurate commentary, making it suitable for English readers.

Which other English translation of the Quran is highly recommended?

Another recommended English translation is by Abdul Majid Daryabadi, known for its commentary, footnotes, and its focus on comparative religion, particularly in relation to Christianity.

What advice does the speaker give about reading translations of the Quran?

The speaker advises reading revised and reliable versions of translations. For instance, the revised edition of Abdullah Yusuf Ali's translation, done by IIIT (International Institute of Islamic Thought), is recommended for its updated commentary and footnotes.