Observation

The question was very popular among the candidates and majority of those who attempted it performed well in the (a) and (b) aspects of the question.
The question requested the candidates to define Tafsīr and to mention the various types of Tafsīr thus:

• Tafsīr can be defined as exegesis, commentary, interpretation or exposition on the meanings of the Qur’ān verses from different dimensions.
• Types of Tafsīr

• Tafsīr Qur’ān bil Qur’ān/ Tafsīrbilma’thur/ Tafsīrbir-Riwayah (using the Qur’ān to explain the Qur’ān)
• Tafīr Qur’ān bil Hadith (using the traditons of the Prophet to explain the content of the Qur’ān)
• Tafsīr Qur’ān bir- Ra‘y by companions and scholars of Islam

• Significance of Tafsīr
• it enhances better understanding of the Qur’ān
• it reveals the uniqueness of the Qur’ān as a scripture that stands the test of time
• tafsīr as a science of the Qur’ān supports the continuity of Ijtihad
• through tafsir, other science in the Qur’ān are better appreciated.
• It facilitates better understanding of Islam as a total way of life
• It improves one’s linguistic ability and prowess
• It provides historical information about past events and religious monuments among others