Can there be a universal tafsir of the Quran?

[Zainab_M]

Quranic tafsir or explanation (also often referred to as 'Quranic exegesis') initially emerged as a branch of the science of Hadith, in an attempt to gather elucidations of Quranic passages which the medieval imams considered 'obscure.' Later on, it developed into a separate branch of study with the inclusion of etymology.

The fact is that no one has been able to compile the complete explanations or tafsirs of Quranic verses recognized universally as the a 'book of tafsirs.' Most tafsir writers have actually gone quite awry with their explanations. And as we have seen, Hadith, which is widely looked upon as an institution that "explains the Quran" has in truth made a complete mess of matters with its thoroughly incorrect and unauthentic explanations.

But most importantly, the Glorious Quran is not supposed to have a universal explanation or tafsir. The answer for this is contained within the Quran itself.

"None knows its explanation save Allah." (3:7)  Al-Imran

"And, Each one does according to his rule of conduct, and your Rab is best aware of him whose way is right." (17:84) Al-Isra

"Stir not your tongue herewith to hasten it.
Lo! upon Us (rests) the putting together thereof and the reading thereof.
And when We read it, follow you the reading;
Then lo! upon Us (rests) the explanation thereof."  (75:16-19)  Al-Qaiamah

These assertions from the Divine Power are clear indications of the freedom granted by Him to the human mind to perceive and interpret His Words as they sincerely deem right. Eventually, God Almighty will be the Judge for NONE besides Him has the ultimate authority on Quranic explanations.

Finally, the term "exegesis" referring to a 'critical explication' by definition stays best if avoided. It has a far-from-humble connotation - a concept largely sprouting from pre-conditioned notions of asserting concepts based on self-interest alongside use of phony intellectualism.  Such an approach in regard to the study of the Quran is discomforting, so say the least.


Related topic:
Do not try to confirm the allegorical Verses of the Noble Quran (Al-Imraan)

[Heba E. Husseyn]

This is a great piece and so correct.  I think it would be better to transfer it in the general Quran sub-board, isn't it sister Zeynab?

[Zainab_M]

Thanks a lot sister.  u r right.  I'll transfer it there. 

[Ruhi_Rose]

Perfect!  so correct. 

[Ruhi_Rose]

"Stir not thy tongue herewith to hasten it.
Lo! upon Us (resteth) the putting together thereof and the reading thereof.
And when We read it, follow thou the reading;
Then lo! upon Us (resteth) the explanation thereof."  (75:16-19)  Al-Qaiamah  

These verses are especially the most clear evidence that the final and correct explanation of every Quranic verse is up to Allah alone.  "Stir not thy tongue herewith to hasten it."  refers to the Quran being revealed gradually, piece by piece.

[muslima]

  !! SISTER Zeynab 


Will they not then ponder on the Qur'an? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much incongruity4:82

Most Muslim scholars have laid down certain basic conditions for sound Tafsir.waht i have experienced that quran tafsir depend on the mentality of scholar or translator that's why most of them are completely failed to produce perfect tafsir..

The interpretation of the Quran by the Quran is the highest source of tafsir and the prectice of prophet(pbuh).which cannot be matched nor superseded by any other.the Quran have their explanation in other parts of the very same book, and often there is no need to turn to any sources other than the word of Allah, which in itself contains tafsir.and its so beautiful to see that!

We have made clear the revelations for people who are sure.2:118

very simple Example

Lo! We revealed it on a blessed night - Lo! We are ever warning 44:3

our question whice night is blessed ??

Quran tafsir..Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Predestination. 97:1

our question ? in which month this night take place ???

Quran tafsir ..The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an 2:185


another example of detailed explanation

O ye who believe! Profane not Allah's monuments nor the Sacred Month nor the offerings nor the garlands, nor those repairing to the Sacred House, seeking the grace and pleasure of their Lord. But when ye have left the sacred territory, then go hunting (if ye will). And let not your hatred of a folk who (once) stopped your going to the inviolable place of worship seduce you to transgress; but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, but keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment.5:2


Forbidden unto you (for food) are carrion and blood and swineflesh, and that which hath been dedicated unto any other than Allah, and the strangled, and the dead through beating, and the dead through falling from a height, and that which hath been killed by (the goring of) horns, and the devoured of wild beasts, saving that which ye make lawful (by the death-stroke), and that which hath been immolated unto idols. And (forbidden is it) that ye swear by the divining arrows. This is an abomination. This day are those who disbelieve in despair of (ever harming) your religion; so fear them not, fear Me! This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed My favour unto you, and have chosen for you as religion al-Islam. Whoso is forced by hunger, not by will, to sin: (for him) lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.5:3
 

They ask thee (O Muhammad) what is made lawful for them. Say: (all) good things are made lawful for you. And those beasts and birds of prey which ye have trained as hounds are trained, ye teach them that which Allah taught you; so eat of that which they catch for you and mention Allah's name upon it, and observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is swift to take account.5:4


Quran itself  The best Tafsir is the explanation of the Quran.
The explanation of the Prophet (he was best example of the prectice of quran ) we dont need anyother source of tafsir

[Ruhi_Rose]

Most Muslim scholars have laid down certain basic conditions for sound Tafsir.waht i have experienced that quran tafsir depend on the mentality of scholar or translator that's why most of them are completely failed to produce perfect tafsir..

Absolutely true.  And their mentality is linked with the contents of the Hadith in one way or another.  These tafsir writers have been taught the false notion since their childhood that "hadith explains the Quran,"  for that reason they keep twisting whichever verse they explain by trying to fix some hadith narration with it.  

The interpretation of the Quran by the Quran is the highest source of tafsir and the prectice of prophet(pbuh).which cannot be matched nor superseded by any other.the Quran have their explanation in other parts of the very same book, and often there is no need to turn to any sources other than the word of Allah, which in itself contains tafsir.and its so beautiful to see that!

MashAllah, so wisely and correctly said sister Muslima.   This also reminds me of Verse 114 of Chapter 20, Surah Ta Ha.  

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْماً
("and say: "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.")

One might ask what knowledge Allah is referring to - religious knowledge or worldly knowledge. Well, I would say, it refers to the ability to grasp the truth about the Noble Quran.  This will further help us to grasp the meaning & purpose of academic knowledge we learn in school, college and university.  As Muslims, we cannot separate religion from worldly life.  Religion is a part of our daily life.  Therefore, right perception of the Quran creates a right perception of life as well.

Quran itself  The best Tafsir is the explanation of the Quran.
The explanation of the Prophet (he was best example of the prectice of quran ) we dont need anyother source of tafsir

Agree 100%.   The Quran is a standalone and independent Book.  It needs to be understood independently and NOT be made dependent on man-written sources.   Quran itself is its best tafsir .. so correctly said sister.  Allah bless u for your intelligent outlook.  And this is precisely what I think means by "knowledge" (عِلْماً) in Verse 20:114.

[muslima]

thaks sister ruhi u are right As Muslims we cannot separate religion from worldly life. Quran is a rulebook of life.religion teaches us how to live our life in best manners & it shows right way.we are nothing without  Quran. 
its a beauty of  Quran it contain dua's too..thanks for Quoting beautiful verse. 
وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْماً
and say: "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.20:114

[Zainab_M]

 

[N. Truth Seeker]

Excellent thread, Subhan'Allah.  The Quranic Verses quoted here assert further the huge folly of interpreting the Words of Allah on the basis of man-written hadith narrations.

We have a very important discussion on this subject coming up.

 

[Zainab_M]

.......  The Quranic Verses quoted here assert further the huge folly of interpreting the Words of Allah on the basis of man-written hadith narrations.

....
 

That's very correct brother.

Insh'Allah, hope the discussion goes well.