Course outline #3: Approaching the Qur’an [tafsir and building sound constructs]

Course outline #4: Approaching the Qur’an [Tafsir and building sound constructs]

What is tafsir and the need for it

• The meaning of tafsir
• Tafsir and t’awil
• The need for tafsir
• Four types of tafsir
• The honorable status of ‘elm al-tafsir
• The virtues of tafsir and its importance

 

Between source based tafsir and tafsir based on opinion

• Source based tafsir
• Tafsir based on opinion
• When it tafsir based on opinion acceptable and what are its limits
• Understanding the hadith “Whoever speaks about the Qur’an based on his opinion, then let him take his seat in the fire of Hell.”
• Understanding the statements of the salaf that rejected tafsir based on opinion
• Imam al-Zarkashi’s response

 

8 guidelines when approaching tafsir

• Combining tafsir between dirayah and riwayah
• Tafsir of Qur’an by Qur’an
• Tafsir of Qur’an by the Sunna
• Benefiting from the tafsir of the Companions and the Tab’in
• Benefiting from the Arabic language
• Given precedence to context
• The importance of context in assigning meaning
• The word kitab
• The word ayah
• The appearance of a concept with different words to describe it

Noting the causes for revelation

• How do we know the cause of revelation
• Specific cause and general word usages
• Deriving meaning from the general
• The response of al-Suyuti on those who negated the importance of asbab al-Nazul

 

Course Outline lesson 1: Characteristics of the Qur’an

1. Divine Authority

2. A Protected Book

• Causes for the Qur’ans preservation
• A nation distinguished by its preservation of the Qu’ran
• Compliation of Qur’an during the time of Abu Bakr
• The complication of the Qur’an during ‘Uthman’s reign

Course Outline Lesson 2: Objectives of the Qur’an

1.Correcting faith and building a sound perception

• Correct understanding of tauhid
• Correct understanding of prophethood
• Affirm and strengthen faith in the Hereafter

Orientation

Asalamu alaykum,

This is a blog for the course Approaching the Qur’an that will be held at the Muslim Community Association (click on the name for directions)

July 24th, 25th, 26th and the 29th from 8:30pm-10:00pm.

You will find notes and other important information here that will enhance your learning experience. We pray that Allah will make His book beloved to us, grant us a sound understanding of it and make us from those who live by its example.