Observation

This appeared the most difficult question to many of the candidates. The question technically tested the candidates’ knowledge on the development of Tafsīr starting with the Prophet (S.A.W.) and passing through the era of the Tāb‘iūn. As some of the candidates got the question right, many were mentioning types of Tafsīr. What the question demanded from the candidates was to explain vividly how Tafsīr was developed right from the time of the Prophet (S.A.W.) down to the era of the Tāb‘iūn. Generally on this question, candidates` performances were below average. Candidates were expected to mention the following points:

Tafsīr is derived from the Arabic word “fassara” which means to expound, explain or comment.

1. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was the first Mufassir.
2. The Science of Tafsīr began with the Qur’ān explaining itself. (Tafsīrul-‘Qur’ān bil Qur’ān).
3. He used to explain the meaning of certain words as well as passages of the Qur’ān.
4. He also explained the conditions under which certain revelations occurred-( asbābun-Nuzūl).
5. The companions also asked him some questions pertaining to some verses of the Qur’ān.
6. At some points, Jibrīl (A.S.) explained the meaning of some verses to the Prophet (S.A.W.).
7. The Prophet’s answers were stored in the memories of the companions.
8. After the death of the Prophet (S.A.W.), question s on the verses were directed to the companions.
9. They gave explanations as learnt from the Prophet (S.A.W.).
10. With the passage of time, Schools of Tafsīr evolved in the cities where these companions settled.
11. The Tafsīr School of Makkah grew around ibn ‘Abbās.
12.  ‘Ubbay b. Ka‘b was in charge of Tafsīr in Madinah.
13. In Iraq, the Tafsīr School of ‘Abdullah b. Mas‘ūd was popular.
14. The next stage in the development of Tafsīr were the Tābi‘ūn whomade efforts to push forward the frontiers of knowledge in Tafsīr.
15. These Tābi‘ūn travelled around cities to gather the views of the Mufassirūn in the same manner as the collection of Hadith.
16. Among the Mufassirūn of this era are Sufyan b. ‘Uyaynah, Waki‘b. Al-Jarrah, Shu‘bah b. Al-Ḥajjāj and Isḥāq b. Rāhawayn.