Are you a proud member of the Muslim community? Do you understand the sayings of the Holy Quran? What is the Tafseer? How many tafseers are there in the Quran? Do you know the Arabic language? These are some questions that people from other religions continuously keep asking us. Most of us are speechless after these questions, and we cannot even ask them not to bother us, while a question that hits us the most is, do you understand the Quran? It is because we often overlook reading this noble book with translation. Although translations in various languages are available, they are not enough to provide us with a complete understanding of the Quran, and we have no option other than to seek help from Tafseer. So, understanding tafseer is very essential as well.

What is Tafseer?

To obtain the maximum understanding of the Holy Quran, it is vital to be familiar with the Tafseer, it is an instructive explanation of the Quran. It provides a starting point for exploring the details of Islam's sacred text. Undoubtedly, the Quran is the ultimate source of knowledge and direction for Muslims like us, serving as the almighty message of Allah. However, understanding its complex implications requires expert interpretation. We will enquire about the topic of Tafseer in this exploration and find out how many Tafseers are there in the Quran.

The term “Tafseer” comes from the Arabic word 'Fassara,' which means "explanation" or "interpretation." it is essentially the process of carefully examining Quranic texts to determine their meanings. This interpretation is not only a scholarly struggle; it is an essential aspect of Islamic knowledge. Moreover, it aims to shed light on the profound wisdom existing in the Quranic verses. So, this is all about the Tafseer. Now let us have a look at the historical journey of the tafseer and its types.

A Historical Tapestry of Tafseer Types

Tafseer has its origins in the period of Prophet Muhammad, who frequently gave his companions (Sahabah) explanations (Tafseer) of Quranic verses in his capacity as the Messenger of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) notably imparted priceless wisdom to Ibn Abbas, a renowned Mufassir (Tafseer scholar). The Tafseer tradition, which continues the history of comprehending the Quran in its purest form, is based on these early interpretations.

The history of Tafseer is a complex tapestry that depicts the development of Islamic philosophy. To understand the subtleties of the Quranic texts, early scholars—such as Ibn Kathir—engaged in interpretive works. Two notable forms of Tafseer emerged during this period: Tafseer Bil-Ma'thur (Traditional Tafseer) and Tafseer Bil-Ra'y (Tafseer Based on Personal Opinion). To interpret the Quran, scholars used a variety of approaches, each of which added to the intricate tapestry of Tafseer.

This is how Tafseer came into being and how it gained more appreciation. Now, it is time to see how many Tafseers are there in the Quran. 

How Many Tafseers Are There in the Quran?

A tribute to the scholars' solid dedication to enlightening the lessons of the Quran is the vast quantity of Tafseer books that exist. Mufti Taqi Usmani and other well-known individuals have made significant contributions to this discipline. Due to ongoing academic efforts, it is difficult to pinpoint the precise number of Tafseer works, demonstrating the tradition's constant expansion and enrichment.

Among the many Tafseer books, experts regard Tafseer Ibn Kathir as a classic masterpiece. This is because of its meticulous storytelling and reliance on genuine hadiths. For individuals who wish to have a deep comprehension of the passages in the Quran, it is an invaluable tool.

Mastering the Art of Tafseer

Tafseer is a passionate activity that requires serious attention to detail. A harmonic combination of fluency in Arabic, in-depth study of the Quranic passages, acquaintance with hadiths, and comprehension of Islamic law is employed by scholars. Moreover, reading the Quran casually is insufficient for interpretation. This is because Mastering Tafseer requires a strong command of the Arabic language. Furthermore, a person should be aware of the historical background of revelation.

Modern Digital Resources for Tafseer Types

In this digital era, the joy of exploring Tafseer's works has ascended to extraordinary heights! Thanks to a multitude of websites and applications, exploring the meanings within the Quran has become incredibly accessible. Moreover, it's truly heartwarming to witness how Quranic enthusiasts now have a convenient and enriching opportunity to unravel the complex layers of wisdom covered within the verses.

A Heartfelt Conclusion

Tafseer stands as an indispensable pillar of Islamic scholarship, unraveling the profound wisdom and guidance encapsulated within the Quran. When it comes to the “how many tafseer are there in the Quran?” remains indirect. It is because their diversity and depth persistently enrich our understanding of the Quranic verses. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious Quranist, studying Tafseer opens the doors to a profound and transformative experience of the Quran's messages. It is a journey that demands humility, patience, and an earnest quest for knowledge. In the end, it is a journey that brings us closer to the divine wisdom of the holy verses of the Quran.

FAQs

Which is the most authentic tafseer of the Quran?

Thanks to the interest of Islamic scholars and their passion for spreading the knowledge about the Quran, a large number of Tafseers have been written to date. At the same time, regarding the authentic Tafseer of the Quran, it is challenging to identify a single one. It depends on the writer and his knowledge, and the readers how they regard him.

When was the Quran's Tafseer written initially?

Only toward the end of the Christian ninth century did the discipline become recognized as a separate science. This generation assembled the Tafseer of the Quran according to its textual sequence. This type of Tafseer was first compiled by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (839-923 CE / 225-310 AH).

How to read Tafseer?

For the optimal learning experience, the following is the suggested method of studying Tafseer: Read the Arabic verse first, then understand its meaning in your native tongue. Second, go through its explanation and Tafseer in the appropriate Tafseer book.

Who was the Quran's first Urdu Tafseer?

Shah Abdul Qadir translated the Quran into Urdu for the first time in 1776.

Who wrote Tafseer Tafheem ul Quran?

The Qur'an was translated and commentary in six volumes by South Asian philosopher Syed Abul Ala Maududi, under the title Tafhim-ul-Quran (Urdu: تفہيم القرآن‎, translit. Towards Understanding the Qur'an). Beginning in 1942 and finishing in 1972, Maulana Maududi wrote the piece over thirty years.