- Tafsir Ibn Kathir – تفسير القرآن العظيم
- Author: Imam Ibn Kathir (774H)
- Language: Arabic
- Binding: Hard Cover
The famous interpretation of the Quran known as “Tafsir Ibn Kathir”, by Imam Imad al-Din Abu al-Fida Ismail ibn Kathir al-Qurashi al-Dimashqi, commonly known as Ibn Kathir (died 774 AH), is one of the most famous Islamic books specialized in the science of interpreting the Quran. It is considered one of the most significant works in the field of exegesis based on the Quranic text itself, relying on the Quran to explain the Quran, as well as the Prophetic traditions (Hadith), mentioning authenticated narrations attributed to their sources, the statements of the Companions and the Successors. It also delves into the Arabic language and its sciences, discusses the chains of transmission and critiques them, mentions various recitations of the Quran and the reasons behind the revelation of verses. Additionally, it includes legal rulings (fiqh), concerns itself with Prophetic traditions, and is renowned for its minimal reliance on Isra’iliyat (Judeo-Christian narratives). Some rank it after the Tafsir al-Tabari in terms of importance, while others prefer it over it.
The author meticulously compiled various opinions, reports, and traditions, with unparalleled quality and accuracy, earning him great respect among scholars.
Ibn Kathir adhered to the methodology of interpreting through narrations, gathered a variety of Quranic verses, and presented them as evidence for his interpretations.
He often mentions the hadith with its chain of transmission, evaluates its authenticity, and leans towards what he deems to be correct, while interpreting the names and attributes of God according to the way of the early generations (Salaf). He also interprets one verse by another if applicable, with careful attention to the statements of the Companions, the Successors, and their followers, along with a focus on legal rulings, relying on linguistic and poetic evidence.
It is indeed one of the best works of interpretation, as its author combined exegesis, interpretation, narration, and knowledge, with meticulous attention to documenting the sources.
Shaykh al-Uthaymeen has said “This is a very useful book in the field of commentary on the Koran-based traditions. It is the more trusty, even though it rarely addresses aspects of grammar and eloquence of discourse.”
As-Suyuti said: “He (i.e. Ibn Kathir) has written a Tafsir that no one has written anything like it.”
Ash-Shawkani said: “He has written the well-known Tafsir, and it is in volumes. He collected it and transmitted the doctrines, news and narrations. It is one of the best books in Tafsir ever.”
Ahmed Shakir said in ‘Umdat at-Tafsir: “Tafsir of al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir is the best, the most accurate and precise interpretation, and only comes second to Tafsir of Abu Ja’far at-Tabari, the imam of al-Mufassirin.”
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