The word tafs�r is derived from the root 'fassara' - to explain, to expound. It means 'explanation' or 'interpretation'. In technical language the word tafs�r is used for explanation, interpretation and commentary on the Qur'�n, comprising all ways of obtaining knowledge, which contributes to the proper understanding of it, explains its meanings and clarifies its legal implications. The word mufassir (pl. mufassir�n) is the term used for the person doing the tafs�r, i.e. the 'exegete' or 'commentator'.

The word ta'w�l, which is also used in this connection, is derived from the root 'awwala' and also means 'explanation, interpretation' .

In technical language it similarly refers to explanation and interpretation of the Qur'�n.

Tafs�r in the language of the scholars means explanation and clarification. It aims at knowledge and understanding concerning the book of Allah, to explain its meanings, extract its legal rulings and grasp its underlying reasons. Tafs�r explains the 'outer' (zahir) meanings of the Qur'�n. Ta'w�l is considered by some to mean the explanation of the inner and concealed meanings of the Qur'�n, as far as a knowledgeable person can have access to them. Others are of the opinion that there is no difference between tafs�r and ta'w�l.

There are a number of reasons why tafs�r is of great importance, but the basic reason is the following: Allah has sent the Qur'�n as a book of guidance to mankind. Man's purpose is to worship Allah, i.e. to seek His pleasure by living the way of life Allah has invited him to adopt. He can do so within the framework of the guidance that Allah has revealed concerning this, but he can do so only if he properly understands its meanings and implications.

Some Muslim scholars have warned against tafs�r. Ahmad b. Hanbal, e.g. has said: 'Three matters have no basis: tafs�r, mal�him (tales of eschatological nature) and magh�z� (tales of the battles)'.

By this is meant that there is much exaggeration and unsound material in these fields, but it does not mean that neither of them ought to be considered. This is clear from another version of the same verdict, in which the word isnad is used for 'basis'.

Muslim scholars have laid down certain basic conditions for sound tafs�r. Any tafs�r, which disregards these principles must be viewed with great caution, if not rejected altogether. The most important among these conditions are the following:

The mufassir must:

• Be sound in belief ('aq�da).

• Well-grounded in the knowledge of Arabic and its rules as a language.

• Well-grounded in other sciences that are connected with the study of the Qur'�n (e.g. 'ilm al-riw�ya).

• Have the ability for precise comprehension.

• Abstain from the use of mere opinion.

• Begin the tafs�r of the Qur'�n with the Qur'�n.

• Seek guidance from the words and explanations of the Prophet.

• Refer to the reports from the sah�ba.

• Consider the reports from the t�bi^c�n.

• Consult the opinions of other eminent scholars.

The best tafs�r is the explanation of the Qur'�n by the Qur'�n.

The next best is the explanation of the Qur'�n by the Prophet Muhammad, who, as Sh�fi'� explained, acted according to what he understood from the Qur'�n.

If nothing can be found in the Qur'�n nor in the sunna of the Prophet, one turns to the reports from the sah�ba.

If nothing can be found in the Qur'�n, the sunna and the reports from the sah�ba, one turns to the reports from the t�bi^c�n.

However, nothing can match the explanation of the Qur'�n by the Qur'�n and the explanation of the Qur'�n by the Prophet.

Tafs�r may be divided into three basic groups:

• Tafs�r bi-l-riw�ya (by transmission), also known as tafs�r bi-l-ma'th�r.

• Tafs�r bi'l-ra'y (by sound opinion; also known as tafs�r bi-l-dir�ya, by knowledge).

• Tafs�r bi-l-ish�ra (by indication, from signs).

By this is meant all explanations of the Qur'�n which can be traced back through a chain of transmission to a sound source, i.e.:

• The Qur'�n itself.

• The explanation of the Prophet.

• The explanation by Companions of the Prophet (to some extent).

Naturally, the explanation of the Qur'�n by the Qur'�n and the explanation of the Qur'�n by the Prophet are the two highest sources for tafs�r, which cannot be matched nor superseded by any other source. Next to these rank the explanations by the sah�ba, since the sah�ba were witnesses to the revelations, were educated and trained by the Prophet himself and were closest to the period of the first Muslim umma. Of course all reports of explanations by the Prophet or by a sah�bi must be sound according to the science of riw�ya as in ^culum al-had�th.

Examples

A case in point is the detailed explanation of 5:2 by 5:4, concerning permissible and prohibited meat. Another example of explanation of one aya in the Qur'�n by another concerns a question which might arise from Sura 44: 3. It is explained in Sura 97: 1:

'We sent it down during a blessed night' (44: 3).

Which night is this blessed night, in which the Qur'�n was sent down?

'We have indeed revealed this in the lailatal-qadr' (97: 1).

A third example is the explanation of Sura 2:37 by Sura 7:23.

'Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned towards him, for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful' (2:37).

These 'words of inspiration' are explained by the Qur'�n as follows:

'Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls. If Thou forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Thy mercy, we shall certainly be lost' (7: 23).

Here one example may suffice:

'And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread. . .' (2: 187).

Narrated 'Adi b. H�tim: I said: 'O Allah's Apostle! What is the meaning of the white thread distinct from the black thread? Are these two threads?' He said: 'You are not intelligent, if you watch the two threads'. He then added, 'No, it is the darkness of the night and the whiteness of the day'.

Next, after explanation of the Qur'�n by the Qur'�n and of the Qur'�n by the Prophet himself, ranks the explanation of the Qur'�n by the sah�ba. Among them, the following were best known for their knowledge of and contribution to the field of tafs�r: Ab� Bakr, ^cUmar, ^cUthm�n, ^cAl� (not much has been reported from them), Ibn Mas'�d, Ibn ^cAbb�s, 'Ubay b. Ka'b, Zaid b. Th�bit, Ab� M�s� al-Ash'ar�, ^cAbdull�h b. Zubair.

Ibn ^cAbb�s: Abdullah b. ^cAbb�s (d. 68/687) is considered to be the most knowledgeable of the Companions in tafs�r. He has been called 'tarjum�n al-Qur'�n', the interpreter of the Qur'�n. Since he was related to the Prophet, being his cousin, and his maternal aunt Maimuna being one of the Prophet's wives, he was very close to the Prophet Muhammad and learnt much about the revelation. It is said that he saw the Angel Gabriel twice. Apart from his detailed knowledge of everything concerning tafs�r, he is also given the credit for having emphasised one of the basic principles of ^cilm al-tafs�r which has remained important to this day, namely, that the meaning of words, especially of unusual words in the Qur'�n ought to be traced back to their usage in the language of pre-Islamic poetry. There is a long list of such explanations quoted by Suy�t�.

Example

The following is an example of tafs�r from a sahaba, namely Ibn ^cAbb�s, confirmed by ^cUmar:

'So celebrate the praises of your Lord, and ask for His forgiveness. Verily! He is the one who accepts the repentance and forgives' (110: 3).

Narrated Ibn ^cAbb�s: ^cUmar used to make me sit with the elderly men who had fought in the battle of Badr. Some of them felt it (did not like that) and said to ^cUmar: 'Why do you bring in this boy to sit with us, while we have sons like him?'

^cUmar replied 'Because of what you know of his position' (i.e., his religious knowledge).

One day ^cUmar called me and made me sit in the gathering of those people, and I think that he called me just to show them (my religious knowledge). ^cUmar then asked them in my presence: 'What do you say about the interpretation of the statement of Allah'.

'When comes help of Allah, and the conquest . . .' (110: 1).

Some of them said: 'We are ordered to praise Allah and ask for His forgiveness, when Allah's help and the conquest (of Makka) comes to us'. Some others kept quiet and did not say anything. On that ^cUmar asked me: 'Do you say the same, O Ibn ^cAbb�s?' I replied: 'No'. He said: 'What do you say then?' I replied: 'That is the sign of the death of Allah's apostle which Allah informed him of Allah said:

'(O Muhammad) when comes the help of Allah (to you against your enemies) and the conquest (of Makka) (which is the sign of your death) - you should celebrate the praises of your Lord and ask for His forgiveness, and He is the One who accepts the repentance and forgives' (110:1-3). On that ^cUmar said: 'I do not know anything about it other than what you have said'.

Another short example is:

Narrated 'At�': When Ibn ^cAbb�s heard:

'Have you not seen those who have changed the favour of Allah into disbelief?' (14: 28).

He said: 'Those were the disbelieving pagans of Makka.'

There are many more persons from among the tabi^c�n known for their preoccupation with tafs�r, because many more people had embraced Islam and the need for knowledge about the Qur'�n had increased manifold. Also, the Prophet himself and many of his Companions were no longer available to give this guidance, and therefore greater efforts had to be made to satisfy this need for proper understanding of the book of Allah.

Of the mufassir�n from among the tabi^c�n one distinguishes three groups, according to their origin and area of activity:

• Those from Makka.

• Those from Madina.

• Those from Iraq.

The Makkan Group: According to many scholars, this group of mufassirun from among the tabi^c�n are the most knowledgeable in tafs�r, because they learnt about it from ^cAbdull�h b. ^cAbb�s. They are many in number, and among the best known out of many others are Muj�hid (d.104/722), ^cAt�' (d.114/732) and ^cIkrima (d.107H).

Muj�hid, the best known among them, is reported to have gone through the Qur'�n thrice with Ibn ^cAbb�s and to have asked him about the 'when' and 'how' of each verse that had been revealed.

A complete book of tafs�r by Muj�hid has been published. It is based on a manuscript from the 6th Hijra century and is edited by Surt�.

Example

Humaid b. Qais Makki reported: I was with Muj�hid and we were circumambulating the house (Ka'ba). A man came and asked whether the fasts of penalty of an oath should be observed continuously or severally. Humaid replied that if he liked he could observe them severally too! But Muj�hid said: Not severally, for the reading of ^cUbayy b. Ka^cb is thal�thi ayy�min mutat�bi'�t, i.e. to fast three days continuously'.

The Madinan Group: The mufassir�n among the tabi^c�n from Madina had many Companions as their teachers, among the best known being ^cUbay b. Ka^cb. The following are some of the well-known Qur'�n exegetes among them: Muhammad b. Ka^cb al-Qarz� (d.117/735), Abu-l 'All�ya al-Riyah� (d.90/ 708) and Zaid b. Aslam (d.130/747).

The Iraq Group: There were also many mufassir�n among the tabi^c�n in Iraq. Their principal teacher was Ibn Mas'�d. Their main centres were Basra and Kufa. The best known among them are: Al-Hasan al-Basri (d.121/738), Masr�q b. al-'Ajda' (d.63/682) and Ibr�h�m al-Nakha'� (d.95/713).

Nothing can excel the tafs�r of the Qur'�n by the Qur'�n. This is followed by sound reports about the Prophet's explanation of the revelation.

Whatever is sound and genuine in the explanation of the Qur'�n by the sah�ba and the tabi^c�n may not be rejected, but the following principles are to be observed:

• Sound reports must be distinguished from unsound ones, for many views have been falsely attributed to some sah�ba and tabi^c�n (especially to Ibn ^cAbb�s and Muj�hid, the most renowned ones among them), which cannot be traced back to them when the isnad is investigated. Those reports must of course be rejected.

• Material from the ahl-al-kit�b, in particular the Jewish traditions (isr�'�l�y�t) must be sorted out and evaluated.

• Material which crept in due to theological, philosophical, political and other considerations, must be sorted out and evaluated (such as e.g. some Sh�'a attributions to ^cAl�, or ^cAbb�sid attributions to Ibn ^cAbb�s, etc.).

• False material purposely introduced by the enemies of Islam must be distinguished from sound material.

The second kind of tafs�r, after tafs�r bi'l-riw�ya, is the so-called tafs�r bi'l-ra'y. It is not based directly on transmission of knowledge by the predecessors, but on the use of reason and ijtih�d.

Tafs�r bil-ra'y does not mean 'interpretation by mere opinion', but deriving an opinion through ijtih�d based on sound sources. While the former has been condemned already in the hadith, the latter is recommendable, when used in its proper place as sound ijtih�d, and was also approved by the Prophet, e.g. when he sent Mu'�dh bin Jabal to Yemen.

Tafs�r bi'l-ra'y on the other hand has been declared har�m on the basis of the following had�th:

'From Ibn ^cAbb�s: Allah's messenger said: "He who says (something) concerning the Qur'�n without knowledge, he has taken his seat of fire"'.

However this had�th has been explained in two ways:

• That no one should say of the Qur'�n what is not from the sah�ba or tabi^c�n.

• That no one should say of the Qur'�n what he knows to be otherwise.

The obvious meaning of the had�th is that one should not say something about the Qur'�n without having the proper knowledge, the sources of which have already been explained.

• Tafs�r mahm�d (praiseworthy), which is in agreement with the sources of tafs�r, the rules of shar�'a and the Arabic language.

• Tafs�r madhm�m (blameworthy), which is done without proper knowledge of the sources of tafs�r, shar�'a and the Arabic language. It is therefore based on mere opinion and must be rejected.

It is reported that a man asked Ibn ^cAbb�s about the day (mentioned in the Qur'�n) which measures 50 years, and Ibn ^cAbb�s replied: 'They are 2 days which Allah has mentioned in His book, and Allah knows best about them', and he disliked that he should say concerning the book of Allah, what he did not know.

The same attitude is also found among the tabi^c�n:

'We used to ask Sa^c�d b. al-Musayyib about hal�l and har�m, and he was the most learned man, but when we asked him about tafs�r of a verse of the Qur'�n, he kept silent, as though he did not hear.'

Some scholars have said that tafs�r bi'l-ra'y is not allowed. since it cannot be traced back to the Prophet or his Companions directly. Others, who form the majority, say that it is permissible under the conditions described briefly above, because it is done by ijtih�d, based on sound sources, which is a permissible means of obtaining knowledge.

By this is meant the interpretation of the Qur'�n beyond its outer meanings, and the people practising it concern themselves with meanings attached to verses of the Qur'�n, which are not visible to anyone, but only to him whose heart Allah has opened. This kind of tafs�r is often found with mystically-inclined authors. While it must not be denied that Allah guides to the understanding of the Qur'�n whom He pleases and as He wills, it has to be said that tafs�r bi-l-ish�ra is not a matter of science and scientific principles, which may be acquired and then used, as are the other branches of ^culum al-Qur'�n and of tafs�r. Some scholars have therefore rejected it from the viewpoint of general acceptability and said it is based on mere opinion. However Ibn al-Qayyim is reported to have said that results achieved by tafs�r bi-l-ish�ra are permissible and constitute good findings, if the following four principles are jointly applied:

• That there is no disagreement with the plain meaning of the verse.

• That it is a sound meaning in itself.

• That in the wording there is some indication towards it.

• That there are close connections between it and the plain meaning.

In some cases the mufassir�n do not agree on the interpretation of a given verse from the Qur'�n. There are a number of reasons for this, the most important ones are the following:

• External:

  Disregard for isnad.

  Use of unsound materials, such as isr�'�l�y�t.

  Conscious misrepresentation, based on a pre-conceived belief or other ulterior motives.

• Internal:

Genuine mistake in comprehension.

Interpretation based on unconscious preconceived notion.

Multiplicity of meanings in the revelation from Allah.

The main cause however is, in the view of Ibn Taim�ya, that the people introduced false innovation (bid'a) and 'twisted the speech (of God) from its actual position, and interpreted the speech of Allah and His apostle(s) other than it is meant, and explained it other than it should be explained'.

This word, meaning 'of Jewish origin' refers to explanations derived from non-Muslim sources and especially from the Jewish tradition, but also including other ahl al-kit�b in general. Such material was used very little by the sah�ba, but more by the tabi^c�n and even more by later generations. There are many aspects of the Qur'�n which can be explained by referring to such sources, when there is common ground between the Qur'�n and the other traditions. However, the information taken from such sources must be used with great caution and cannot be considered sound according to the standards of 'ilm al-had�th, unless traced back to the Prophet himself and his Companions. The Prophet has already cautioned Muslims against this source of knowledge:

Narrated Ab� Huraira: The people of the scripture (Jews) used to recite the Torah in Hebrew and they used to explain it in Arabic to the Muslims. On that Allah's apostle said: 'Do not believe the people of the scripture or disbelieve them, but say: "We believe in Allah and what is revealed to us"' (2: 136).

Similarly Ibn Mas'�d, the well-known Companion, is reported to have said: 'Do not ask the ahl al-kitab about anything (in tafs�r), for they cannot guide you and are themselves in error....'

Hence one distinguishes three kinds of the so-called isr�'�l�y�t:

• Those known to be true because the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad confirms them.

• Those known to be false, because the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad rejects them.

• Those not known to be true or false, and we do not say they are true or false.

A concise but useful summary of the vast field of tafs�r can be found in the following words said to be from Ibn ^cAbb�s:

'Tafs�r has four aspects:

the aspect the Arabs knew because of its language,

tafs�r, for ignorance of which no one will be excused,

tafs�r, which the scholars know,

tafs�r, which no one knows except Allah'.

Some important Books of Tafs�r

Numerous books have been written by Muslim scholars on the subject of tafs�r. The oldest text available is attributed to Ibn ^cAbb�s (d.68/687) although some doubt its authenticity. Other old books of tafs�r, still available to us, include the works of Zaid bin ^cAl� (d.122/740) and Muj�hid, the famous t�b^c� (d.104/722).

However it is generally accepted that the magnum opus among the early books of tafs�r, which have come down to us is the tafs�r al-Tabar�.

Other Well-Known Books of Tafs�r

Some important books from the class of tafs�r bi'l-ra'y are as follows:

• Al-Kashsh�f, by Abu'l-Q�sim Mahm�d Ibn ^cUmar al-Zamakhshar� (d.539/1144), one of the well-known books of tafs�r based on a mu'tazila approach and considered to be the standard work of mu'tazila tafs�r, with much emphasis on Arabic grammar and lexicography as a means of interpretation with less attention given to sanad.

• Maf�tih al-Ghaib, by Muhammad bin ^cAmr al-Husain al-R�z� (d.606/1209). One of the most comprehensive works of tafs�r bi' l-ra'y covering many areas often beyond the actual field of exegesis, also known as the tafs�r al-Kabir.

• Anw�r al-Tanz�l, by ^cAbd Allah bin ^cUmar al-Baid�w� (d.685/1286), a summary of Zamakhshar� with additional material to counterbalance the mu'tazila stance of the Kashsh�f.

• R�h al-Ma'�n�, by Shih�b al-D�n Muhammad al-Al�s� al-Baghd�d� (d.1270/1854), criticises unsound reports; considered to be among the best of tafs�r bi'l-ra'y.

• Tafs�r al-Jal�lain, by Jal�l al-D�n al Mahall� (d.864/1459) and Jal�l al-D�n al-Suy�t� (d.911/1505)? a handy book of tafs�r, containing only brief notes on various passages of the Qur'�n.

None of these important books have ever been translated into any European language.

To conclude here is an example from the Tafs�r al-Jal�lain:

About the Hypocrites:

Among men are those who say, we believe in God and in the Last Day - (that is the Day of Resurrection, because it is the last of days): but they are not believers. They endeavour to deceive God and those who have believed, by making a show of the reverse of the infidelity that they conceal; but they deceive not any except themselves; for the punishment of their deceit shall come upon them, and they shall be disgraced in this world, in consequence of God's acquainting His Prophet with that which they conceal, and shall be punished in the world to come; and they know not that they deceive themselves. In their hearts is a disease. Doubts and hypocrisy in this order them; and God has increased their disease by what he has revealed in the Kur'an, because they disbelieve it; and for them (is ordained) a painful punishment because they have charged with falsehood the Prophet of God and when it is said to them: corrupt not in the earth by infidelity and hindering others from embracing the faith - they reply, we are all only rectifiers - assuredly they are the corrupters; but they are not sensible thereof and when it is said unto them, believe ye as other men, the Companions of the Prophet, have believed- they say, shall we believe as the fools have believed? - assuredly they are the fools; but they know it not. And when they meet those who have believed they say, we believe; - but when they retire privately to their devils (that is, their chiefs), they say, we agree with you in religion; we only mock at them by making a show of their faith - God will mock at them. He will requite them for their mockery and continue them in their exceeding wickedness, wandering about in perplexity. These are they who have purchased error in exchange for right direction, and their traffic has not been profitable; on the contrary, they have incurred loss; for their transit is to the external fire; and they have not been rightly directed in that which they have done' (2: 7-15).

Among numerous books on tafs�r that have been written in the twentieth century, three are outstanding. They have greatly influenced the thinking of Muslims all over the world, and are briefly introduced here. They are:

• Tafs�r al-Man�r

• F�zil�l al-Qur'�n

• Tafh�m al-Qur'�n.

Tafs�r al-Man�r: The actual title of this book is Tafs�r al-Qur'�n al-Hakim. It was compiled by Muhammad Rash�d Rida (d.1354/1935), the well-known disciple of Muhammad ^cAbduh (d.1323/1905), and published in Egypt. It is called tafs�r al-Man�r since some of its parts had been serialised in the periodical al-Man�r. The tafs�r covers the first 12 juz' of the Qur'�n. The influence of the 'Man�r School of Thought' on Muslims all over the world since the turn of the century has been tremendous, although today, after several decades, some of the attempts to harmonise contemporary scientific as well as social development with the teachings of the Qur'�n seem rather inappropriate. For example, the commentary on Sura 1: 276, where Jinns are explained as microbes causing diseases, or on 4:3 where polygamy is 'prohibited' according to the tafs�r al-Man�r, because justice cannot be done between two or more wives. However the basic notion of the 'Man�r School of Thought' was that Islam is different and has to be seen as different from all Western philosophies and must regain its original position. This view, underlying the tafs�r al-Man�r continues to be voiced by many later Muslim scholars and leaders alike.

F�zil�l al-Qur'�n: This book, covering the complete Qur'�nic text in 4 volumes, with the title In the Shade of the Qur'�n has greatly influenced numerous Muslims especially the younger generations, and particularly in the Middle East. It was written by the well-known author Sayyid Qutb (d.1386/1966), mostly during his imprisonment (1954-64), and completed before he was executed by the Egyptian government because of his association with the ikhw�n al-Muslim�n.

Qutb's aim, with this commentary on the Qur'�n was to explain the true nature of Islam to contemporary Muslims, so as to invite them to join the struggle for the establishment of Islam both on the individual as well as the social level. He emphasised in particular the differences that exist between Islam and the non-Islamic systems, as well as the need for Muslims to strive for the establishment of a movement for Islam.

Tafh�m al-Qur'�n: Written in Urdu, and first published in article form, from 1943, in the journal Tarjum�n al-Qur'�n, this tafs�r, covering the complete Qur'�nic text was completed in 1973. It is of great importance for contemporary Muslim thinking, particularly in the Indian subcontinent (Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Ceylon), but has also, by means of translation, reached a much wider audience. This tafs�r, entitled Understanding of the Qur'�n was written by the well-known founder of the Jam�'at-i-Isl�m� in Pakistan, Abul A'l� Mawd�d� (d.1400/1979). Addressed primarily to a non-Arabic speaking audience this tafs�r places great emphasis on the thorough explanation of basic Qur'�nic concepts, such as il�h, rabb, ib�da and d�n, and the Qur'�n as a 'book of guidance', not least containing guidance for a movement of Islamic re-construction and the Islamic way of life. Numerous notes add to the usefulness of this aid to understanding the Qur'�n. It is particularly suitable for the young educated Muslim with no direct access to the Arabic original.

There is a common factor in these three contemporary books. Tafs�r al-Man�r for the first time in modern history attempted to relate, to some extent, the Qur'�nic message to the actual situation of the Muslim umma in the contemporary world, and here, for the first time for centuries, tafs�r is no longer restricted to purely academic exercise and intellectual stimulus, but regains social and political significance. This is upheld and further elaborated in the two other books referred to.

Apart from these three main books of tafs�r, numerous other attempts have been made to interpret the Qur'�n for the contemporary age. All efforts of tafs�r are however, apart from their varying degrees of utility and reliability, only human efforts to present the Qur'�nic message in accordance with the needs and requirements of the age, and therefore in the final analysis can be only faint reflections of the Qur'�n as the word of God, against which all human efforts are inadequate, incomplete and of only limited validity. This basic principle, which all mufassir�n make the starting point of their work, should also be well remembered by the readers of the books of tafs�r, so as to remain aware of the actual book from Allah, the Qur'�n, upon which all exegesis and explanation rests.