The Interpretation of the Qur'an (Tafseer)
The topic of tafseer is the most important topic of 'uloom al-Quraan,
since in many ways it is the primary goal of 'uloom al-Quraan — to
understand and implement the Qur'aan properly. This has also been the
first topic of 'uloom al-Quraan to have been written on, and without a
doubt the one in which most of the works in this field have been written
about.
I. The Definition of Tafseer and Ta'weel The word 'tafseer comes from fassara', which means, 'to explain, to expound, to elucidate, to interpret.' The word tafseer is the verbal noun of fassara', and means 'the explanation or interpretation of something.' According to another opinion,[1] the word tafseer is a transposition from s-f-r, which means, 'to expose, to uncover.' Thus, a woman who uncovers her face is called a 'saafirah', and the act of uncovering her face is called 'sufoor.' Therefore, according to this definition, 'tafseer would mean uncovering the meanings and exposing the secrets of the Qur'aan. However, the stronger opinion is the first one, even though both of these meanings are correct. In Islaamic sciences, tafseer is defined to be: The science by which the Qur'aan is understood, its meanings explained, and its rulings derived.[2] Another common word that is heard in this subject is the word 'taweel'. What, then, is the difference, if any, between tafseer and taweel? The word 'ta'weel' is from a-w-l, which means 'to return, to revert,' which implies going back to the original meaning of a word to see what its meanings and connotations are. The meanings of the word 'ta'weel' were given earlier, and are repeated here. The word 'taweel' has three meanings: 1) To understand a word in light of one of its connotations, despite the fact that this connotation is not the primary intent of the word. 2) To explain a word or phrase. 3) The actuality of an event. 
 II. The Necessity and Importance of TafseerThe question arises: Why is there a need for tafseer? After all, does not Allaah say in the Qur'aan:
But this in no way implies that a person who is unaware of the numerous hadeeth of the Prophet (SAW) in explaining the Qur'aan, and of the reasons behind the revelation of specific verses, and of the intricacies of Arabic grammar and principles of rhetoric, and of the various qiraaat, and of the knowledge of the abrogated rulings, and of all of the other topics of 'uloom al-Qur aan will benefit from the Qur'aan to the same degree that a person who does know these facts will. For example, an Arabic linguist or grammarian might be able to see a certain wisdom behind the phrasing of a verse that the average person may not. A person specialised in the topics of 'uloom al-Qur aan will be better able to grasp the intended meanings of a verse, and derive rulings from it, in contrast to the average layman, who is not qualified to derive rulings from the Qur'aan. As-Suyootee also discusses the necessity of 'tafseer in his al-Itqaan.[4] He begins by stating that it is a known fact that Allaah communicates with man in a way that the will be able to understand. This is the reason that every messenger has been sent in the language of his people. However, there are three basic reasons why tafseer is necessary despite these facts.
Therefore, the job of a mufassir is to explain all of the above points to mankind. From the above discussion, the importance of tafseer should become apparent. The science of tafseer is meant to explain to mankind the Book that has been revealed to them from Allaah. The Qur'aan is like a treasure trapped in a glass receptacle; mankind can view and benefit from this treasure, but they are in need of tafseer, for tafseer acts like the key that unlocks the treasure, so that mankind can benefit from it to the greatest possible extent. Iyaas ibn Mu'aawiyah (d. 122 A.H.) said, "The example of a people who recite the Qur'aan and do not know its explanation is like a group of people who have a written message from their king that comes to them during the night, and they do not have a lamp. Therefore, they do not know what is in the message. The example of one who knows tafseer is like a person who comes to them with a lamp and reads to them what is in the message." [6] And the Successor Sa'eed ibn Jubayr (d. 95 A.H.) said, "Whoever recites the Qur'aan and does not explain it, is like an ignorant person. As-Suyootee said, (The science of tafseer) is the most honourable of all sciences for three reasons. The first reason is with respect to its topic. It deals with the Speech of Allaah, which contains every kind of wisdom and virtue. It contains pronouncements about what has passed, reports of what will happen and judgements concerning what happens between the people. Its wonders never cease. The second reason is with respect to its goal. Its goal is to lead mankind to the firm handhold of Allaah, and to the true happiness, one that does not end. The third reason is with respect to the great need for this science. Every aspect of this religion and this world, in the near or distant future, is in need of the sciences of the sharee'ah and knowledge of the religion, and this knowledge can only be obtained through the understanding of the Book of Allaah. [7] Apart from these reasons, the Qur'aan itself commands its readers to ponder over it, and to reflect upon its meanings, for it says,
It is the science of tafseer which is the fruit of 'pondering over its verses.' 1 az-Zarkashee, v. 2, p. 147. 2 as-Suyootee, v. 2, p. 223. 3 cf, as-Suyootee, v.2, pps. 221-2, ar-Roomee, pps. 8-9, Zarabozo, p. 14. 4 as-Suyootee, v.2, p. 223. 5 cf. Ik, pps. 64-66. 6 Both quotes taken from Zarabozo, ibid., p. 12. 7 as-Suyootee, v. 2, p. 224; c£ Zarabozo, p. 12. |
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