Usool at-Tafseer: The Methodology of Qur'anic Interpretation

Tafseer #0

by Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

The title of this book, Usool at-Tafseer, essentially refers to the branches of knowledge necessary for providing an accurate interpretation of the Quranic texts, such as Arabic grammar and syntax, Arabic literature and Quranic sciences (Uloom al-Quran). 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 Quraanic explanations relevant to human society. This book addresses the actual step-by-step methodology of interpreting Quran to ensure that interpretations are not merely the result of human whims and fancies.

Genres: Islam, Religion

355 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was born in Jamaica, but grew up in Canada where he accepted Islam in 1972. He completed a diploma in Arabic and a B.A. from the College of Theology (Usool-ud-Deen) at the Islamic University of Madeenah in 1979. At the University of Riyadh, College of Education, he completed a M.A. in Islamic Theology in 1985 and in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, U.K. he also completed a Ph.D. in Islamic Theology in 1994. He taught Islamic Education and Arabic in private schools in Riyadh for over ten years and for the past three year he has been lecturing M.Ed. students in the Islamic Studies department of Shariff Kabunsuan Islamic University in Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines. Since 1994 he has founded and directed The Islamic Information Center in Dubai, U.A.E. and the Department of Foreign Languages at Dar al Fatah Islamic Press in Sharjah, U.A.E. ' to 'Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips was born in Kingston, Jamaica, but grew up in Canada where he accepted Islam in 1972. He completed a diploma in Arabic and a B.A. from the College of Theology (Usool-ud-Deen) at the Islamic University of Madeenah in 1979. At the University of Riyadh, College of Education, he completed a M.A. in Islamic Theology in 1985 and in the department of Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, U.K. he also completed a Ph.D. in Islamic Theology in 1994. He taught Islamic Education and Arabic in private schools in Riyadh for over ten years and for the past three years he has been lecturing M.Ed. students in the Islamic Studies department of Shariff Kabunsuan Islamic University in Cotabato City, Mindanao, Philippines. Since 1994 he has founded and directed The Islamic Information Center in Dubai, U.A.E. and the Department of Foreign Languages at Dar al Fatah Islamic Press in Sharjah, U.A.E.

Reviews

[Qasim Zafar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been looking for a book in this category. There are certain things this book does very well, such as explaining some of the literary devices used in the Quran. However, in the overall scheme of things, this book is covers the basics of the basics, so only get this book if you want to topically understand what goes into Qur'anic interpretations, but aren't looking for something which explores those topics deeply.

[Ahmed Shamim · Rating 5 out of 5]

কারো কারো মতে, কোরআন খুবই সহজ ভাষায় লেখা, অনুবাদ পড়েই সব বুঝে ফেলা যায়, সেখান থেকে হুকুম আহকামও বুঝে নেয়া যায়। আবার কারো কারো মতে, কোরআন খুবই উঁচুদরের শাস্ত্রীয় পুস্তক, এটা পড়ে বোঝা সাধারণ মানুষের কম্ম নয়। এ দুই প্রান্তিক ধারণার আশেপাশেও যদি আপনার আনাগোনা হয় তাহলে এই বই আপনার চিন্তাধারার আমূল পরিবর্তন করবে ইনশা-আল্লাহ।
এত স্বল্প পরিসরে এত চমৎকার জ্ঞানগর্ভ বই আগে পড়েছি বলে মনে হয় না। আরো আগেই কেন এই বই পড়া হয়নি সেটার জন্যও এখন আফসোস হচ্ছে। যাই হোক, better late than never.
এক কথায় বললে, সাধারণ মুসলিম হিসেবে এই বই সকলের জন্য অবশ্যপাঠ্য।

[International Islamic Publishing House (IIPH) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The core material for this book was taken from the excellent work Mabahith fee 'Uloom al-Qur'an, by Shaykh Manna‘ al-Qattan. 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.

Hediyah Al-Amin of The Peninsula (Doha, Qatar) reviewed this book and wrote:

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.

Usool at-Tafseer can be purchased directly from the publisher, International Islamic Publishing House, at www.iiph.com.sa.

[Saif Ali Ahmad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips’ Usool at-Tafseer is a concise yet comprehensive guide to the principles of Qur’anic interpretation. Written in clear, accessible language, it introduces readers to the essential sciences needed for tafseer, such as Arabic grammar, asbab an-nuzul (occasions of revelation), abrogation, and the distinction between clear and ambiguous verses. The book systematically explains classical methodologies while highlighting their continued relevance in modern times. Its strength lies in bridging scholarly depth with practical clarity, making it suitable for both students and general readers. Overall, it is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a structured approach to understanding the Qur’an.

[Ibn-Khaldun · Rating 5 out of 5]

The historical context of how Quran sciences developed over time, and explaining how the Quran has been preserved gave me a new perspective, and renewed my relationship with the Quran.

[সৈকত · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is not well organized in my perspective. Also at the end of the book there are few chapters which I think are unnecessary to the ordinary reader, those are only for the scholars.

[Khokon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Shadab Dip · Rating 4 out of 5]

ইসলাম বোঝার মূল দুইটি সোর্স হলো কুরআন ও সহীহ হাদিস। কিন্তু তারপরও দেখা যায় ইসলামের মধ্যে অনেক ফেরকা আছে এবং সবাই কুরআন ও সুন্নাহ অনুসরণ করার কথা বলে। এখানেই এই বিষয়টি চলে আসে যে আমরা কিভাবে কুরআন বুঝবো এবং তার মূলনিতি কি। কুরআন সহীহ ভাবে বুঝতে হলে যে সকল মূলনিতি অনুসরণ করা উচিত সেগুলো নিয়েই এই বইটি। বইটি একাডেমিক ধচের তাই সময় নিয়ে বুঝে বুঝে পড়া উচিত। বাংলা অনুবাদ অনেক সুন্দর এবং সাবলীল।
রেটিং: ৪.৩/৫

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very easy to read and the information explained in it is essential for every Muslim to know. Bilal Philips explains the traditional methodology for deriving tafseer, briefly discusses how some groups deviated from this methodology and lists which tafseers are considered acceptable and which are unacceptable. All of the above is explained in the span of only 2 chapters. In the rest of the book, he discusses other topics that are pertinent to the science of tafseer, this includes translations and their status, abrogated verses, the presence of clear and ambiguous verses and how they are to be interpreted, reasons for revelation, language of the Qur'an, dialects and recitations, the collection of the Qur'an, and more. And this is all done in less than 300 easy-to-read, large-text, page.

Today there are a lot Muslims claiming various so-called interpretations of the Qur'an. This book is essential because it explains why such interpretations are incorrect and also what is allowed (and encouraged) in terms of *reflection* on the Qur'an. Additionally, the methodology of deriving tafseer is also relevant to the basic methodology of fiqh.

[Muhammad Hakim Asy'ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

buku yang bagus, yang memperkenalkan kaidah-kaidah memahami al-Qur'an dan tafsir pada umumnya, buku ini terutama sangat bermanfaat bagi muslimun yang terbiasa bertutur dengan menggunakan bahasa inggris.

salah satu kelebihan buku ini adalah banyaknya contoh yang digunakan dalam menjelaskan suatu kaidah penafsiran al-Qur'an.

meski buku ini tidak sebanding dengan buku-buku yang dikarang oleh para ulama salaf, ulama generasi awal Islam, namun buku ini memiliki kelebihan utama karena keringkasannya yang padat isi dan juga menggunakan bahasa Inggris yang tentunya akan memudahkan bagi kaum muslim yang masih belum bisa berbahasa arab/memahami bahasa arab.

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, the book is good as an introduction to how tafsir works. I have found his explanation of the various types of literary devices found in the Quran were very informantive, engaging, and yet concise. I do not like the language he uses towards non-Muslims and Muslim minorities though. Most of his hate speech is either unnecessary or flat out incorrect. *sigh*

[Paradox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work by Shaikh Billal philips. His documentation of the opinions of the scholars on difference between ahruf are particularly interesting. It is a good book for any one who wants to start learning about the Uloom al Quran.

[Sean Publication · Rating 5 out of 5]

its a nice book. i like abu amenah bilal phlips
http://www.seanpublication.com/produc...

[Ahmod Musa · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://amaderboi.com/quran-bujhar-mul...