Tafṣir Ibn Kathīr– This is the most popular of all Tafsir bi-l-Mathūr tafāsīr. It is known as the second book after Tafsīr al-Ṭabarī. It is recognised more so because of its many narrations from the early mufassirīn amongst the salaf. It contains many prophetic traditions and āthār of the companions (ra). There are commentaries expressing jarḥ wa al-taʿdīl of narrators, concluding which aḥadīth are munkar and ṣaḥīḥ. The approach is such that there is mainly emphasis of exegesis of the verses through other tafsīr of verses (tafsīr al-Qurān bi l-Qurān).
Ismāʿīl ibn ʿUmar Ibn Kathīr al-Damashqī (701/1300- d. 774/ 1373) also known as Abū alFidā’a also was a highly influential historian, exegete and scholar during the Mamluk era in Syria. An expert on tafsir (Quranic exegesis) and faqīh (jurisprudence). He wrote several books, including his al-Bidāya wa al-Nihāya book history. His books became popular during his lifetime, and people benefited from them after his death. had the honorary title of ʿImād adDīn. He was born in Mijdal, a village on the outskirts of the city of Busra, to the east of Damascus, Syria, and was taught by Ibn Taymiyya and Al-Dhahabi.
This course will not just map out the chronology of how writings of tafsīr developed throughout Islamic history, but how each science developed their own hermeneutical approach to the Qurān. The course will present a different book of tafsīr every week, beginning with the most earliest to the more contemporary works in tafsīr.
Immerse yourself in this great opportunity in gaining a broad and deep understanding of Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr that has been pivotal in this science and learn the benefits, strengths and gaps that exist in this extraordinary kitāb and its authors approach.