The meanong of the word ‘Tafseer’

The root of the word tafseer means, “he rendered a thing apparent, plain or clear, explained, expounded or interpreted it” (E W Lane Lexicon).

The word tafseer is used in the Qur’aan in this sense:

وَلَا يَأْتُونَكَ بِمَثَلٍ إِلَّا جِئْنَاكَ بِالْحَقِّ وَأَحْسَنَ تَفْسِيرًا

“And no example or similitude do they bring out but We reveal to you the truth [against what they bring] and a better explanation (tafseer)” [25:33]

According to the majority of the scholars, tafseer is derived from the word al-fasar which means to uncover or display. It is in the form of al-tafeel for the purpose of mubaalighah (“exaggeration”) to stress how intense it is. Some say it is maqloob (the inverted form) of safara which also means to uncover or disclose. According to al-Raghib, the meaning of safara and fasar are very close but fasar refers to something maqool (rational) while safar refers to something physical or material, such as a woman uncovering her face. (Qattaan p324)

The Definition of “The Science or Discipline of Tafseer

The sscience or discipline of tafseer is intended to explain, expound and clarify the meanings  of the verses of the Qur’aan. In general, one may state that tafsser is “the science by which the Book Allaah that was revealed to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) is understood, and by which its meanings are explained and by which its rulings are derived”. (Al-Burhaan fee Uloom al-Qur’aan voll2 p148)

Alternatively, according to Aboo Hayyaan, the definition of tafseer is (what is in the parenthesis is from his explanation of his definition):

[1] The science that studies how to state the words of the Qur’aan (which therefore includes studying the qiraat or the different recitations of the Qur’aan).

[2] And what such words imply (which is the knowledge of the language and its vocabulary) and its individual and compound rulings (this combines the following sciences: al-tasreef, al-I’raab, al-bayaan, al-baadi [these are all aspects of the arabic language, such asgrammatic parsing, rhetoric and so forth]).

[3] Its meanings from the combination of the words (what it points to it form of haqeeqah (literal statement) or majaaz (figurative statement).

[4] As well in the combination – tarkeeb – which could take what apparently means something to, in fact, mean something else, which is majaaz.

[5] And what is needed to complement all of the above – such as, knowing naskh (abrogated verses), asbaab an-nuzool (circumstances surrounding the revelation and so forth). (Qattaan p324)

The importance of Tafseer

The Qur’aan has been revealed for the guidance of all mankind. Allaah says in the Qur’aan:

 هَذَا بَيَانٌ لِلنَّاسِ وَهُدًى وَمَوْعِظَةٌ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

“This is a declaration for mankind, a guidance and an admonition unto those who ward off evil” [3:138]

Although it is a guidance for mankind, it is still possible for those who read it to be misguided or to have some mistakes. This is either due to the fact that they do not interpret or understand the Qur’aan in the proper manner or because they do not approach the Qur’aan in the correct manner. This was also the case for the religious communities before the Muslims. The Christians, in their ignorance and due to their  desires, misinterpreted Jesus’ teaching while the Jews intentionally misinterpreted their scriptures in ways that they knew were wrong. Unfortunately, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) warned the Muslims that they would follow the Jews and Christians step-by-step and both of these types or errors have indeed happened amongst the Muslims with respect to interpreting the Qur’aan