Tafsir Books in Islam | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at Zad Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
I am Zayd Haji, a student at Zad Academy.

Alhamdulillah, in this lesson we continue our journey in understanding Tafsir (interpretation of the Qur’an). Tafsir is essential for Muslims because it helps us understand the divine words of Allah ﷻ in their correct meaning. Scholars throughout history have written great works of Tafsir, and in this article, we will explore the most famous classical books of Tafsir, their methodologies, and why they remain important today.

Allah ﷻ says:

“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra 17:9 — Quran.com/17/9)

Understanding the Qur’an requires correct explanation. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of knowledge:

“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5027 — Sunnah.com/bukhari:5027)

Therefore, the science of Tafsir developed to preserve authentic understanding and protect the Qur’an from misinterpretation.

Scholars classified Tafsir into two main categories:

1. Tafsir bil-Ma’thūr (Tafsir by transmission): Based on the Qur’an itself, Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ, sayings of the Companions (Sahabah), and the early generations (Tabi‘un).

2. Tafsir bil-Ra’y (Tafsir by opinion): Based on scholarly reasoning. Some of it is accepted when it aligns with authentic knowledge, but it is rejected when it contradicts Qur’an, Sunnah, or established reports.

The Prophet ﷺ warned against interpreting the Qur’an without knowledge:

“Whoever speaks about the Qur’an without knowledge, let him take his seat in the Fire.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2950 — Sunnah.com/tirmidhi:2950)

Imam Abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310H) wrote one of the earliest and greatest works of Tafsir. His book relied heavily on narrations from the Prophet ﷺ, the Companions, and the Tabi‘un. However, he also included reports from the Isra’iliyyat (Jewish and Christian traditions), which require caution. Despite this, scholars considered his Tafsir among the most authentic classical works.

Imam Isma‘il ibn Kathir (d. 774H) authored Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim, which became one of the most widely used Tafsirs. He was very cautious with Isra’iliyyat and critiqued weak narrations. His Tafsir remains a cornerstone of Qur’anic understanding and has been translated into English and many other languages.

• Rely on authentic sources: Qur’an, Hadith, Sahabah, and early scholars.

• Be cautious of Isra’iliyyat: Some narrations may be weak or fabricated.

• Compare methodologies: Al-Tabari included Isra’iliyyat more frequently, while Ibn Kathir critiqued them and warned readers.

Tafsir is a noble science that protects the meanings of the Qur’an and preserves the understanding of the early generations. Both Tafsir al-Tabari and Tafsir Ibn Kathir are treasures of Islamic scholarship. As students of knowledge, we must approach them with care, respect, and reliance on authentic chains of transmission.

May Allah ﷻ grant us beneficial knowledge and guide us to the truth.