Many people read the Quran in Arabic, then read a translation, and still feel they are missing something. Why was this verse revealed? Who is it talking about? What does this word really mean? That is what tafsir (explanation of the Quran) is for.
This guide explains what tafsir is, how it differs from a translation, which tafsir books are good for beginners, and how to start.
What is tafsir?
Tafsir (تفسير) means "explanation" or "making clear". A tafsir explains the meaning of the Quran verse by verse, using:
- Other verses of the Quran, because one verse often explains another.
- The Sunnah: what the Prophet ﷺ said about a verse.
- The words of the Companions, who saw the revelation and knew its context.
- The Arabic language: the meaning of words and grammar.
- The context of revelation (asbab al-nuzul): the events behind certain verses.
Translation vs tafsir
Translation | Tafsir | |
|---|---|---|
What it gives | The meaning in another language | The explanation behind the meaning |
Length | About as long as the Quran | Usually many volumes |
Good for | Following the general meaning while you read | Understanding verses deeply |
A translation is always an interpretation, because no language can carry every meaning of the Arabic. That is why scholars call translations "the translation of the meanings of the Quran".
Well-known tafsir books
Tafsir | Author | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
Tafsir al-Tabari | Ibn Jarir al-Tabari (d. 310 AH) | One of the earliest and largest; collects many narrations |
Tafsir Ibn Kathir | Ibn Kathir (d. 774 AH) | Very popular; explains verses with other verses and hadith. An abridged English version is widely available |
Tafsir al-Qurtubi | al-Qurtubi (d. 671 AH) | Focuses on rulings (fiqh) in the verses |
Tafsir al-Sa‘di | ‘Abd al-Rahman al-Sa‘di (d. 1376 AH) | Clear and simple language; a favourite for beginners in Arabic |
Tafsir al-Jalalayn | al-Mahalli and al-Suyuti | Very short; a quick explanation of each verse |
Ma‘ariful Qur'an | Mufti Muhammad Shafi‘ | Popular in South Asia; available in English |
On Quran.com, you can open the tafsir of any verse, including Ibn Kathir and Ma‘ariful Qur'an in English, and al-Sa‘di and others in Arabic.
How to start (a simple plan)
- Start with short surahs you already know. Al-Fatiha, then the last surahs of Juz ‘Amma. You already recite them in prayer, so understanding them has an immediate effect.
- Read one passage a day. A few verses with their tafsir — 10 to 15 minutes is enough.
- Read the translation first, then the tafsir, then the verses again in Arabic.
- Write one thing you learned in a notebook each day.
- Recite those verses in your prayer that day. You will feel the difference.
A suggested order
Step | What to read | Why |
|---|---|---|
1 | Al-Fatiha | You recite it in every prayer |
2 | Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, An-Nas | Short and recited daily |
3 | Ayat al-Kursi (2:255) | The greatest verse of the Quran |
4 | Juz ‘Amma (juz 30) | Short Makki surahs about faith and the Hereafter |
5 | Surah Al-Kahf, Surah Al-Mulk | Surahs many people read regularly |
Some important advice
- Use trusted tafsir books. Avoid random explanations online that don't name their sources.
- Ask a teacher when something is unclear, especially verses about rulings.
- Don't rush. Understanding one surah well is better than skimming many.
- Keep improving your recitation too. Understanding the meaning helps you know where to stop and start, which improves your recitation.
To help with the Arabic words themselves, read our list of the most common words in the Quran. For Al-Fatiha and the short surahs, our recitation guides to Al-Fatiha, the three Quls and Ayat al-Kursi go well alongside the tafsir. For one-to-one guidance, see our Quran classes for adults.
FAQ
What is the difference between tafsir and translation?
A translation gives the meaning of the Quran in another language. A tafsir explains the meaning in depth, with context, hadith and the Arabic language.
Which tafsir is best for beginners?
Many beginners start with an abridged English Tafsir Ibn Kathir, or Tafsir al-Sa‘di in Arabic, because they are clear and widely trusted.
Can I read tafsir without knowing Arabic?
Yes. Several major tafsir books are available in English, and Quran.com shows English tafsir for every verse.
How long should I read tafsir each day?
10 to 15 minutes a day is a great start. Consistency matters more than length.
Sources
- Quran.com — translations and tafsir — Quran.com
- Tafsir — Wikipedia
- Tafsir ibn Kathir — Wikipedia
- Tafsir al-Tabari — Wikipedia