Tafsir 01-03: The Development of Tafsir (Qur’anic Interpretation) | Insights from Shaykh Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin | ZAD Academy Lecture | Blogpost by Zayd Haji #IslamicPodcast #QuranTafsir #IslamicStudies

By Zayd Haji, Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.

In this blog, we will explore the development of Tafsir, or the explanation of the Qur’an. Tafsir is essential to understanding the meanings of Allah’s words. The science of Tafsir developed in stages and is based on the Qur’an, Hadith, the sayings of the Sahabah (companions), the Tabi’een (students of the companions), and qualified scholars.

1. Tafsir of the Qur’an by the Qur’an

The first and most authentic source of Tafsir is the Qur’an itself. Sometimes, one verse explains another.

For example, Allah says:

“And those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith — We will join them with their descendants…”

— Surah At-Tur 52:21 (quran.com/52/21)

This verse is expanded in Tafsir through context, indicating that Allah will unite believing families in Paradise, even if their ranks differ.

2. Tafsir by the Sunnah

The Prophet ﷺ explained many verses of the Qur’an himself. His Hadith clarify legal rulings, meanings, and context. For instance:

“When one of you touches women…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:43, quran.com/4/43)

Here, the word "touch" (lamastum) is explained by the Prophet ﷺ and companions to mean sexual intercourse, not just physical contact. This is proven by Hadith and linguistic analysis.

3. Tafsir by the Sahabah (Companions)

The companions, such as Ibn Abbas and Ibn Mas’ud, were present during the revelation of the Qur’an. Their explanations are based on firsthand experience.

For example, Ibn Abbas explained:

“…And He is the knower of the unseen and the most hidden (akhfa).” — Surah Ta-Ha 20:7 (quran.com/20/7)

He said “the secret” refers to what you do secretly, and “what is even more hidden” means what’s in your heart that you haven’t even acted upon — yet Allah knows.

4. Tafsir by the Tabi’een (Successors)

The Tabi’een were the students of the Sahabah and also explained the Qur’an based on their teachers. Sa’eed ibn Jubayr and others explained difficult verses with great care.

For example, they clarified the above verse (52:21) by saying Allah raises the ranks of the descendants to join the righteous without reducing anyone’s reward.

5. Tafsir by Scholars

Later scholars such as Imam al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, and Imam al-Qurtubi compiled Tafsir using all the above methods. They used Arabic grammar and context without contradicting the meanings passed down.

“Whoever says something about the Qur’an without knowledge, let him prepare his seat in Hell.”

— Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2950 Grade: Da'if (Darussalam)

https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2950

This hadith warns against interpreting the Qur’an without knowledge or proper sources.

Key Notes:

• Tafsir follows a chain: Qur’an → Sunnah → Sahabah → Tabi’een → Scholars.
• It must follow authentic and contextual understanding.
• Interpreting the Qur’an without knowledge is sinful.
• Allah rewards those who explain His words truthfully.

May Allah grant us correct understanding of His Book. Ameen.