This article is your brief, comprehensive guide to learning Tafseer from its appropriate sources. No doubt, learning Tafseer is one of the essential knowledge a Muslim must have to properly understand Allah’s aim in the Quran. People vary in their levels of Tafseer; starting from beginner learners to highly professional scholars.
How to start the Quran Tafseer Journey?
In this article, we will provide you with the 10 best tips for learning Tafseer no matter your level of knowledge, along with the proper methodology of reading in Tafseer books.
1. When You learn Tafseer, Watch Your Intention Behind Your Journey
Before starting to do any deed, particularly those related to gaining knowledge, you should watch and renew your intention.
A Muslim’s intention of learning Tafseer should be purified for the sake of Allah (SWT). This means A Muslim should aim for Allah’s reward through his deed and to seek His pleasure.
A Muslim should enumerate several righteous intentions to gain the best of Allah’s reward. In the case of learning Tafseer, these intentions may be: To Understand Allah’s word, To better read the Quran, to follow the Quran commands, to be raised in Jannah, to teach others…etc.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A man will be rewarded only for what he intended.” (Sahih Muslim)
People who aim at gaining knowledge for the sake of people would definitely lose their reward and get punished in Hell for their shirk (polytheism) as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said. (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2382)
2. Decide Your Aim Of Studying Tafseer
There are several aims of studying Tafseer. One may need to learn Tafseer for his own personal knowledge while others may need to be specified in a particular field related to the Quran or Islamic studies.
Each of these people should know his aim to carefully decide on his own Tafseer curriculum. This should be done at an early stage of learning to avoid waste of time and effort.
3. Choose Your Suitable Tafseer Book
The choice of your suitable Tafseer books should be done carefully based on your aim of learning and your level of knowledge.
There are several types of Tafseer that are variable in their methodology, subjects, and level of Tafseer. Some Tafseer books are simple for beginners, some are more comprehensive and detailed for advanced learners, while others are specified for certain subjects such as linguistic styles in the Quran, philosophical Tafseer, political and Economic reflection…etc.
The types of Tafseer books were discussed in detail in this article: Which Tafseer Book Is the Best? – Over 50 Tafsir Books Compared! I highly recommend you refer to it for a better understanding of the types of Tafseer books.
4. Before you learn Tafseer, Start On An Arabic Course
No doubt, learning Arabic will help you better understand the Quran and its Tafseer. Arabic is the language of the Quran and Sunnah, through which all the Islamic rulings and teachings were clarified.
Muslim scholars suggested that learning Arabic is obligatory for every Muslim.
“It is obligatory upon every Muslim to learn from the Arabic language what allows him to make effort in fulfilling his obligations” Imaam al-Shaafi’ee
While Imam Ibn Taymiya said: “For the Arabic language itself is from the religion, having knowledge of it is an obligation because understanding the Book and the Sunnah is an obligation.”
There are a variety of available Arabic courses online. I would recommend you enroll in Quran House Online Arabic Course to get your free trial. The course is presented by professional, Arabic-speakers, and Azhari teachers with the best teaching tools available online.
5. Start Memorizing Quran
Memorizing the Quran helps you relate the verses together. As we discussed in our previous article “Which Tafseer book is the best”, Quran verses clarify one another amazingly. Obviously, if you memorize the Quran, you would be able to better understand Tafseer. Learn Tafseer alongside you memorization of the Quran.
Quran House offers an Online Quran Memorization Course with Tafseer. This course helps you to memorize the Quran along with learning Tafseer.
6. Enroll in One of The Professional Tafseer Courses
It would be helpful to learn Tafseer from a well-educated, knowledgeable teacher. This would help you to commit to your lessons, respond to your inquiries, and professionally answer all your concerns and questions about the Quranic verses.
You can easily join Quran House Online Quran Tafseer lessons to get these benefits. Enroll in our free trial now!
7. Put Your Tafseer Plan
In order to commit to Tafseer lessons on a frequent basis, you should make a flexible and realistic plan. You should watch your time and decide on a fixed time to study Tafseer.
You’d better discuss this with your teacher. This could be done daily, day after day, or even weekly according to your circumstances.
This plan helps you to commit to and reach your goals in the suggested period. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The acts most pleasing to God are those which are done most continuously, even if they amount to little.” Mishkat al-Masabih 1242
8. Follow The Tafseer Plan With A Teacher
You should make yourself a weekly or monthly table with daily checkboxes and share that with your teacher. This would enable you and your teacher to easily follow your progress. Besides, it actually helps in better commitment to the learning process.
9. Take Tafsir Quizzes
If you aim to achieve a certain improvement in a specific science, you should frequently test your knowledge through the available means. Your teacher could test you or you could search for available quizzes online to enrich your knowledge and measure your progress. That is available in Quran House Quran Tafseer Courses.
10. Teach Someone The Tafseer of A Verse Or More
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Learning and teaching the Quran includes learning The Quran’s Tafseer. So, if you achieved a good knowledge of Tafseer, try to teach one of your family or friends the meaning of a verse or more. This doesn’t only improve your knowledge and fix your information. It also grants you the best reward where you’d be one of the meant people by the previous Hadith.
11. Follow The Proper Methodology of Reading In Tafseer Books
Learning Tafseer from highly authentic Tafseer books would be best done through a set of steps. Here is the recommended way to study Tafseer for the best learning experience:
- First: Read the verse in Arabic with its meaning in your language.
- Secondly: Read its interpretation and Tafseer from your suitable tafsir book
- Thirdly: Write down your notes on Tafseer in a specified notebook or perhaps on a computer or mobile software (whatever is accessible)
- Fourthly: Re-read the verse in its context, including the previously learned verses and the verses that come after.
- Fifthly: Try memorizing the verse as that is the best time to memorize after learning its meaning.
Learn Quran tafseer online
Learning Quran tafseer online can be a great way to learn about the meaning and interpretation of the Quran. However, it is important to learn from a well-educated and knowledgeable teacher. This will help you to understand the Quranic verses more deeply and to answer any questions you may have.
There are many different online Quran Tafseer courses available in Quran House Quran Tafseer Courses.
Conclusion | How to Learn Tafseer?
Learning Tafseer is essential for every Muslim that’s to learn the aim of Allah’s words. It could be best done through a series of steps to achieve the best results and commit to Tafseer lessons.
In this article, we briefly discussed 10 tips to learn Tafseer in order. We argue that is the best way to learn Tafseer. We also included the best methodology to read in Tafseer books for learners.
FAQ
What are the best Quran Tafseer classes online?
If you wish to effectively learn Tafseer from highly qualified tutors, enroll in the Quran House Course to learn Quran with Tafseer online and get your free trial now!
What is the best way to learn the Quran?
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Find a Qualified Teacher: The best way to learn the Quran is through a knowledgeable and qualified teacher who can guide you in correct pronunciation (Tajweed) and understanding of the Arabic text. Look for reputable Quranic teachers or Islamic centers in your area or consider online courses with certified instructors.
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Learn Arabic: If you don’t already know Arabic, consider taking Arabic language courses alongside your Quranic studies. Understanding the language will greatly enhance your comprehension of the Quranic text.
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Set a Regular Schedule: Consistency is key when learning the Quran. Establish a regular study schedule that suits your availability. Short, daily sessions are often more effective than sporadic, lengthy ones.
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Use Tafsir (Exegesis): To gain a deeper understanding of the Quranic verses, consult Tafsir, which are scholarly interpretations and explanations of the Quranic text. Reading Tafsir alongside your Quranic study can provide valuable context and insights.
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Memorize Verses: Many Muslims aim to memorize the Quran. Start with shorter chapters (surahs) and gradually work your way up. Repetition and regular revision are essential for memorization.
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Practice Recitation: Pay close attention to correct pronunciation and Tajweed rules. Regularly practice reciting the Quran to improve your fluency and accuracy.
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Reflect and Apply: Beyond memorization and recitation, strive to understand the meanings of the verses and how they apply to your life. Reflect on the teachings and principles of the Quran.
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Seek Community Support: Join Quran study groups or engage with fellow learners to exchange knowledge and motivate each other in your Quranic journey.
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Use Quranic Apps and Resources: There are numerous apps and online resources that offer Quranic texts, translations, and audio recitations. These can be valuable aids in your learning process.
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Be Patient and Consistent: Learning the Quran is a lifelong journey. Approach it with patience and humility, and continue your efforts consistently.
Is Tafseer allowed in Islam?
Yes, Tafsir (the scholarly interpretation and explanation of the Quran) is not only allowed in Islam but is considered an essential field of study. It plays a crucial role in helping Muslims understand the Quranic text in depth, providing context, historical background, linguistic analysis, and explanations of the verses. Tafsir is used to extract the intended meanings and lessons from the Quran and is a valuable resource for both scholars and ordinary Muslims.
Why is it important to learn Tafseer?
Learning Tafsir (the scholarly interpretation and explanation of the Quran) is important for several reasons, especially for those interested in a deeper understanding of Islam and the Quranic text. Here are some key reasons why learning Tafsir is significant:
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Understanding Quranic Verses: The Quran is written in classical Arabic and contains verses that are often metaphorical, allegorical, or require historical context for full comprehension. Tafsir helps unravel the meanings of these verses, making them more accessible to readers.
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Contextualizing Revelation: Tafsir provides historical and contextual background for Quranic revelations. Understanding the circumstances surrounding the revelation of specific verses helps believers appreciate the intended message and relevance.
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Interpreting Complex Issues: The Quran addresses a wide range of topics, including legal, ethical, theological, and social issues. Tafsir offers guidance on how to interpret and apply these teachings in contemporary contexts, promoting ethical and moral behavior.
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Deepening Faith and Knowledge: Learning Tafsir deepens one’s knowledge of Islamic theology, jurisprudence, and spirituality. It enables individuals to engage in meaningful reflection on the Quranic message, strengthening their faith.
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Avoiding Misinterpretation: Without proper guidance, individuals may misinterpret Quranic verses, leading to misunderstandings or misapplications of the Quranic message. Tafsir serves as a safeguard against misinterpretation.
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Facilitating Scholarly Inquiry: Tafsir is a scholarly discipline that encourages critical thinking and intellectual engagement. It allows scholars to explore the Quranic text in depth, contributing to the development of Islamic jurisprudence and theology.
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Promoting Unity and Correct Understanding: Learning Tafsir from reputable sources can help prevent the spread of erroneous interpretations and divisive beliefs. It promotes a unified understanding of the Quran within the Muslim community.
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Guidance in Personal and Community Life: Tafsir provides guidance on various aspects of life, including morality, family, social justice, and spirituality. It helps individuals and communities live in accordance with Quranic principles.
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Encouraging Active Engagement: Learning Tafsir encourages Muslims to actively engage with the Quranic text, ponder its meanings, and seek knowledge. It fosters a culture of lifelong learning and reflection.
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Enhancing Teaching and Preaching: For educators, preachers, and scholars, a strong foundation in Tafsir is crucial for effectively conveying the Quranic message to others. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to teach and preach with clarity and accuracy.
What is the difference between tafsir and translation?
Tafsir and translation are two distinct approaches to understanding and conveying the meaning of the Quranic text. Here are the key differences between them:
1. Purpose:
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Tafsir: The primary purpose of Tafsir is to provide a detailed and comprehensive explanation, interpretation, and context for the Quranic verses. It delves into the historical, linguistic, jurisprudential, and theological aspects of the text. Tafsir aims to uncover the deeper meanings and insights within the Quranic verses, helping readers grasp their intended messages and implications.
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Translation: The primary purpose of Quranic translation is to render the Arabic text of the Quran into another language, making it accessible to non-Arabic speakers. Translations focus on conveying the basic meanings of the Quranic verses in a language that readers can understand. They do not provide the detailed explanations and context found in Tafsir.
2. Depth of Analysis:
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Tafsir: Tafsir involves a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of Quranic verses. It explores linguistic nuances, historical context, jurisprudential rulings, theological insights, and the interpretations of various scholars. Tafsir aims to uncover layers of meaning and provide a deeper understanding of the Quran.
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Translation: Quranic translation is a more straightforward process that aims to capture the surface meanings of the verses in another language. While it conveys the basic message, it may not address the subtleties and depths of interpretation found in Tafsir.
3. Scholarly Nature:
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Tafsir: Tafsir is a scholarly discipline conducted by qualified Islamic scholars. These scholars draw upon their knowledge of Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and other related fields to provide authoritative explanations of the Quranic text. Tafsir works are often extensive and are considered valuable references in Islamic scholarship.
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Translation: Quranic translations can be done by individuals with a good understanding of both Arabic and the target language, but they do not require the same level of scholarly expertise as Tafsir. Translations can vary in quality and accuracy depending on the translator’s proficiency.
4. Accessibility:
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Tafsir: Tafsir works are typically more complex and may be challenging for the general reader to comprehend fully. They are often used by scholars and students of Islamic studies for in-depth study and research.
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Translation: Quranic translations are accessible to a broader audience, including non-Arabic speakers who seek to understand the basic message of the Quran. They serve as introductory tools for those who do not have the ability to read the Quran in its original Arabic form.
In summary, Tafsir is a scholarly discipline that provides detailed explanations and interpretations of Quranic verses, while translation aims to convey the basic meanings of the Quran in another language. Both serve important roles in making the Quran accessible to a global audience, with Tafsir catering to those seeking a deeper understanding and translation serving as a foundational tool for non-Arabic speakers.
