This book is a summarized version of the book Al Itqan written by Imam Suyuti. In this summary, Muhammad bin Alawi Al Maliki writes the most crucial and important points from the original work so that a beginner can have insight into this knowledge before moving on to advanced books.

مقدمة

مصطلح / اصول التفسير is an essential science to know before studying Tafseer, as it provides clarity on the key terms and concepts, ensuring the reader is not confused. The term علم التفسير is derived from the Arabic expression فسرت الشيء meaning ‘to clarify’ or ‘explain.’ It is called tafseer because it serves to clarify and explain the meanings of the Quran. In this context, the author will now highlight some of the key points to preface this important knowledge.

1. Definition - The knowledge in which the states/conditions of the Quran are discussed in terms of its words, meanings, and being Makki or Madani, etc.
2. Topic - The speech of Allah from the above-mentioned aspects
3. Benefit - Reaching the understanding of the Quran, and as a result, being able to act upon it.
4. Outcome - Holding onto the strong rope (i.e. Imaan and Islam), and success in this world and the hereafter.

<aside> <img src="/icons/circle_gray.svg" alt="/icons/circle_gray.svg" width="40px" /> فائدة (Benefit) is something that you are actively gaining and intend to gain it, whereas ثمرة (Outcome) is something that is gained even though that was not your main purpose.

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1. Deviser of this knowledge - Allah and His Prophet ﷺ
2. Reinforcement (where the rules are taken from) - The Quran, Sunnah, and the customs/methodologies of Arabs
3. Its key issues (مسائل) - The benefits derived from the principles of Tafseer, such as rulings, beliefs, advice, and other related matters.
4. Its relation (to other knowledges) - It is one of the key religious sciences, and in fact, it holds a leading position among them, as it is directly derived from the Quran. Its value is rooted in the Quran itself, as its rulings and principles become significant only when they are established and proven within the Quran. Since it is proven by the Quran, it becomes extremely important.
5. Its Excellence - It is from the most superior of knowledges since it has a valuable topic, so it will also be valued highly.
6. Its need/necessity - Understanding the Quran and the Shari’ Ahkam is dependent on this knowledge, without which one can not be guided to the truth/success in both worlds. The Sahaba who were the most eloquent and righteous of people often used to ask the Messenger ﷺ when they were confused and did not understand a matter, so what about us?

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Story of Adi ibn Hatim

“Until the white streak of the dawn becomes distinct from the dark streak" (Baqarah. 187) Adi b. Hatim said: Messenger of Allah, verily I keep underneath my pillow two strings, one white and the other black, by which I distinguish night from dawn. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Your pillow seems to be very large. For the word khait implies the blackness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn.”

Sayyiduna Adi understood this verse in its literal meaning, which caused confusion and compelled him to ask the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, who cleared the confusion by saying that this was used in its metaphorical meaning.

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حد القران

Linguistic definition - The word ‘Quran’ is derived from ‘قرء ’, i.e., to gather. Therefore, it refers to something which is gathered and compiled.