What do you understand by 'Tafsir' in Islam ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:

**Explanation of the Quran**

The term 'Tafsir' (تفسير) is an Arabic word that literally means "exegesis" or "interpretation." In the context of Islamic studies, it refers specifically to the science and art of interpreting and explaining the meanings of the Quran, the central religious text of Islam. Since the Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years in a complex classical Arabic, and contains layers of legal, spiritual, and historical significance, the practice of *Tafsir* is essential for understanding the divine message, the context of the revelations (*Asbab al-Nuzul*), and the practical implementation of its teachings. The process of *Tafsir* utilizes various traditional sources, including the Quran itself, the Prophet's teachings (*Sunnah*), and the interpretations of early Islamic scholars, to provide clarity on the text for all Muslims.

The incorrect option is 1:
"Life of Prophet" is known as *Seerah* or *Sirah*, which refers to the biographies and history of the Prophet Muhammad, detailing his life, military campaigns, and personal conduct. While the *Seerah* provides crucial context for the revelation of the Quranic verses, it is a separate discipline from *Tafsir*.

The incorrect option is 2:
"Traditional social customs" or accepted practices are generally referred to as *Aadaat* or *Urf*. These customs might influence the practical application of Islamic law in a local context, but they are not the primary subject of *Tafsir*, which focuses on the revealed text of the Quran.

The incorrect option is 3:
"Sayings and doings of the Prophet" are known as *Hadith* and *Sunnah*. The *Hadith* (narrations) and *Sunnah* (practices) of the Prophet Muhammad are secondary sources used extensively *within* the process of *Tafsir* (explanation of the Quran) to clarify ambiguous verses, but they are not the *Tafsir* itself; they are a fundamental source for it.