Now that the definition of Tafseer in the Quran is clear, it is critical to understand how to learn the Quran with Tafseer. Following the death of Allah's Apostle Muhammad (PBUH), his Companions (RAA) and new Muslims sought to understand the Quran based on the Quran itself, the Messenger's explanations and sayings, and their own interpretations of the passages. All of these strategies are still in use today and will be used to better understand the Quran's genuine meaning. For those wondering how to start Quran Tafseer, here are the ways given in a specific order, beginning with the most authentic and reliable:
Through the Quran
Studying Tafseer's Quranic texts through the Quran remains the most effective method. This strategy entails explaining one verse by referring to another. For example, if we ask whether Allah SWT will forgive a person who has committed the sin of polytheism or not.
However, Allah SWT further states in another Quranic verse that He forgives even idol worshippers who honestly repent before leaving the world.
As a result, before seeking clarification or interpretation elsewhere, individuals who want to study Tafseer of the Quran and the meaning behind the verses should rely on the Quran to explain itself because Allah SWT knows best what He meant.
Through Sunnah.
Sunnah is another approach to studying the Quranic Tafseer. After the Quran, the traditions of Allah's Prophet (PBUH) serve as a secondary source of guidance for Muslims. People studying how to learn Tafseer of the Quran might find explanations of the Quran in Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) traditions and sayings.
Thus, anyone seeking to study Tafseer of the Quran should rely on Sunnah, as did the Messenger's Companions (RAA), who used to ask him questions about the Quran for clarification and received outstanding responses.
Through Aathaar (sayings of Prophet (PBUH) Companions)
Learning Tafseer of the Quran through Aathaar (sayings of Prophet (PBUH) Companions) is another option. Many of them lived their entire lives with the Prophet (PBUH) and knew the Quran better than others because of their knowledge of the circumstances surrounding its revelation, their actual interpretation of it, and their good actions.
Their explanations are based on the Quran since they were taught to seek clarification from the Quran first, followed by the Prophet (PBUH). When they couldn't identify the real meaning of a verse in the Quran or Sunnah, they would develop an interpretation based on their understanding of the verses' surroundings.
Through Language
Another way to learn Tafseer of the Quran is through language. However, keep in mind that the exact meaning in one language may not fully convey the verse's actual meaning. Many occurrences occurred immediately following the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the era of his Companions (RAA) and successors.
The Arabic language underwent significant modifications, and the lexicon began to lose its original meaning as a result of the introduction of foreign words. At that point, it was necessary to explain the Quran's literal and grammatical meanings. Some disagreements of opinion have emerged as a result of these natural modifications in the language.
In Arabic, the term lams literally means to touch. Imam Al-Shaafi'ee and Maalik regarded it as a touch of the hand. In contrast, Imam Abu Hanifa referred to it as sexual intercourse. However, the Prophet's wives stated that he frequently kissed them before praying, indicating that this scripture did not mean touching.
Opinion-based Interpretation
An opinion-based interpretation of the first four approaches is valid if it does not contradict them. The interpretation based on scientific, philosophical, or sectarian beliefs is strictly banned.
As a result, everyone interested in learning Quranic Tafseer should begin with the first four approaches. Todoso has sufficient knowledge and study.