Hawza Subjects - Tafsir al-Qur'an

:al-islam.org

2013/09/15

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Tafsir al-Qur'an (Qur'an Exegesis)

'Ilm al-Tafsir, or "the science of Qur'an exegesis" is usually a systematic (either sequential or thematic) exegetical study of the Qur'an's verses. This subject is widely studied by all Hawza students and one who chooses to specialize in this field becomes a mufassir or commentator of the Qur'an. Both Shia and Sunni scholars have written literally hundreds of Tafsir works over the ages. Some Shia scholars limit the word tafsir to being the interpretation of the Qur'an by the Prophet [s] Himself and his special household members (the Ahl al-Bayt). They consider all other interpretations as being simply a personal reflection (tadabbur). It is also common for students to form small study groups to share and discuss their understanding of the Qur'an's verses (i.e. to engage in tadabbur).

In the last two decades, the most popular tafsir work has been the 20 vol. Tafsir al-Mizan of Allamah Tabatabai. Some English translations of this work also exist today. Of late though, other, newer, tafsir works are emerging and gaining prominence.

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