The title of this book, Usool at-Tafseer
(literally, ‘The Fundamental Principles of Qur'anic Interpretation’),
essentially refers to the branches of knowledge necessary for providing
an accurate interpretation of the Qur'anic texts, such as Arabic grammar
and syntax, Arabic literature, and Qur'anic sciences (‘Uloom al-Qur'ân).
Familiarity with modern fields of learning, like the pure sciences and
social sciences, is also necessary for a commentator in this era to make
the Qur'anic explanations relevant to modern human society. Usool at-Tafseer
addresses the actual step-by-step methodology of interpreting the
Qur'an to ensure that interpretations are not merely the result of human
whims and fancies. These subjects were traditionally mentioned in the
books of usool al-fiqh (the fundamental principles of Islamic Law) and the introductions to the classical books of tafseer.
The core material for this book was taken from the excellent work Mabâhith fee ‘Uloom al-Qur'ân, by Shaykh Mannâ‘ al-Qattân.
However, supplementary material was also gathered from other classical
and current works on the subject, as the footnotes clearly indicate.
Those chapters of particular relevance to the English-speaking reader
were chosen, while others which include Arabic linguistic issues beyond
the comprehension of the average reader were not included.
Reviews of This Book
A detailed explanation of the basic principles of Qur’anic interpretation, Usool at-Tafseer
is a necessary handbook for anyone who wishes to acquire an
understanding of Allah’s Book, the Noble Qur’an. Introducing the reader
to the science of tafseer and its renowned scholars, the author explores
the methods of revelation and collection of the Qur’anic text,
presenting an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look upon the history and
meaning of the Glorious Qur’an. (Hediyah Al-Amin, The Peninsula, Doha, Qatar)Reviews of This Book
Author: Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Publisher: IIPH
Price: RM45.00
Code: QH09
