Tafsir is the scholarly science of interpreting the Holy Quran, seeking to uncover the true meanings and contexts of its verses. Rather than relying on personal opinions, classical Tafsir is built on a rigid framework that preserves the divine intent.
The Pillars of Classical Tafsir
1. **Interpretation of Quran by Quran:** The highest form of Tafsir is where one verse clarifies another.
2. **Tafsir by the Sunnah:** The actions, decisions, and words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serve as the primary explanation of Quranic commands.
3. **Statements of the Companions (Sahabah):** Those who witnessed the revelation firsthand hold unique authority on its context.
4. **Arabic Linguistics:** Since the Quran was revealed in clear Arabic, the rules of grammar, rhetoric, and classical vocabulary form the structural boundaries of Tafsir.
The Importance of Asbab al-Nuzul
Asbab al-Nuzul refers to the historical events or questions that prompted the revelation of specific verses. Understanding these contexts is crucial to preventing misinterpretation. For instance, verses of struggle or legal rulings cannot be divorced from their legislative history without risking grave misunderstandings. At Jamia Siddiqiyyah, our Quran and Tafsir program provides seekers of knowledge with direct chains of transmission, linking their understandings back to the great classical scholars of Islam.
