THEMATIC APPROACH

The Qur’an is a book of moral guidance. It therefore gives models and examples of the righteous, salihiin, to be emulated as well as models of transgressor, dhalimin, to be avoided. It describes the thoughts, actions, and fate of the two groups in a historical perspective, a contemporary perspective, and a future perspective. It also provides intellectual arguments as well as makes pleas to humans to emulate the salihiin and to avoid the dhalimiin. Some of the intellectual arguments used are related to Allah’s signs. Verses on signs discuss Allah’s signs for purposes of itti’adh. The signs may be in the past, the present, or the future. Signs in the past include stories of prophets and communities, accounts of the creation of the universe and of humans, conduct of righteous individuals and communities, the fate and humiliation of individuals and communities that were transgressors, and rebuttal of non-believers. Signs in the present include signs of Allah in the universe signs of Allah in humans, bounties of Allah for humans, social organization, and spiritual training, and rebuttal of the non-believers. Signs in the future include prediction of future events, an account of the events and horrors of the Last Day, punishment and reward. The purpose of this study is to relate the verses to daily experience of the individual or the community deriving practical and moral lessons. The historical verses are especially relevant since history repeats itself. Human nature, character, and behavior are the same at all ages. The experience of past eras is therefore very relevant today. Humans are therefore enjoined to study history in order to learn from the past. Qur’anic verses are miraculously relevant to contemporary events of life. Verses condemning the Yahuud and Nasaara and polytheists also apply to any other persons in the present time who behave like those groups. The Qur’an also predicts future events on earth that people can see and verify for themselves. The verses of ahkaam also attempt to provide guidelines and limits within which those who want to be righteous can operate.

METHODOLOGY OF TAFSIR

The verses selected are clear. They are understandable without the need for detailed explanation. The verses are selected and are studied by subject-matter. They are interpreted by precedent using the Qur’an and hadith.  Cross-references to relevant verses and hadiths are provided in the foot notes. The main references are the tafsir works of Ibn Kathir and al Tabari. Our concern is translation and understanding of the meanings and not translation of words. A historical approach has been employed to derive lessons from past human experience. The scientific approach has been employed to draw lessons from Allah’s signs in human biology and the physical universe. The following types of tafsir are not employed here: rational, philosophical, and juridical. Scientific miracles and abrogation are not addressed. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAFSIR SESSIONS

Use a Qur’anic translation that has the Arabic script beside the translation. Take turns reading translation of the assigned verses for each topic. Make sure you understand the meanings of all words used in the translation. You can refer to the foot-notes for more detailed explanation of the context of revelation (sabab al nuzul), related verses and hadiths, and explanation of unfamiliar words. Discuss the assigned issue(s) using the given points as a guide. List lessons you have learned for your contemporary life as an individual and as a member of the community or society. Write down your conclusions.

CONCEPTUAL TOOLS

The following general conceptual tools are useful in the discussions: Qur’anic methodology, comprehensiveness of the Qur’anic vision, the Qur’an as a source of sciences, the Qur’an opens and challenges human intellect, Allah’s fixed laws in humans and the physical world, the Qur’an as a solution to problems of humanity: social, economic, political, scientific, educational, and psychological.