By Imam Adam Jamal

As Muslims, we believe that the Quran is the word of Allah and a source of guidance and inspiration for
all humanity. One of the most important ways to understand the Quran is through its commentaries,
which help to explain the meanings of the verses, the context of revelation, and the practical
implications of the teachings.

In this article, we will consider some of the most popular and reputable commentaries on the Quran in
English. Each of these commentaries provides a unique perspective on the Quranic text and has its own
strengths and weaknesses, but they all aim to deepen our understanding of the Quran and its message.

Tafsir al-Jalalayn

Tafsir al-Jalalayn is a classic and widely-used commentary on the Quran that was written by two
scholars, Jalaluddin al-Mahalli and Jalaluddin al-Suyuti, in the fifteenth century. This commentary is
known for its clarity, brevity, and accessibility, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and
laypeople. Tafsir al-Jalalayn covers the entire Quranic text and provides explanations of the verses in a
simple and straightforward manner. The commentary also includes some helpful footnotes that provide
additional context and explanations where necessary.

One of the strengths of Tafsir al-Jalalayn is that it draws from a wide range of Islamic sources, including
hadith (prophetic sayings), Islamic jurisprudence, and Arabic grammar, to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the Quranic text. At the same time, the commentary is also relatively concise, making
it easy to read and understand.

Tafsir ibn Kathir

Tafsir ibn Kathir is another classic and widely-used commentary on the Quran that was written by the
medieval Islamic scholar, Ibn Kathir. This commentary is known for its depth and thoroughness,
providing extensive explanations of the verses that draw from a wide range of Islamic sources. Tafsir ibn
Kathir is also unique in that it provides some historical context for each verse, which can help readers to
understand the events and circumstances that led to the revelation of the Quranic text.

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One of the strengths of Tafsir ibn Kathir is its detailed analysis of the Quranic text, which provides
readers with a comprehensive understanding of the meanings and implications of each verse. Some
readers may find this commentary to be too extensive and overwhelming, particularly if they are not
familiar with some of the more technical aspects of Islamic scholarship.

Tafsir al-Qurtubi

Tafsir al-Qurtubi is a classic and influential commentary on the Quran that was written by the medieval
Islamic scholar, Imam al-Qurtubi. This commentary is known for its comprehensive and multi-faceted
approach to the Quranic text, drawing from a wide range of Islamic sources and providing explanations
of the verses that cover multiple dimensions of Islamic knowledge, including jurisprudence, theology,
and ethics.

One of the strengths of Tafsir al-Qurtubi is its ability to provide readers with a holistic and integrated
understanding of the Quranic text, connecting the verses to broader Islamic concepts and values.
However, some readers may find this commentary to be too dense and technical, particularly if they are
not familiar with the Islamic scholarly tradition.

Only the first 4 volumes of Tafsir al-Qurtubi are translated so far.

Ma’ariful Quran

Ma’ariful Quran is a comprehensive and popular commentary on the Quran that was written by the
Pakistani Islamic scholar, Mufti Muhammad Shafi’. This commentary is known for its clarity, accessibility,
and practicality, providing readers with insights into the meanings of the Quranic verses as well as their
practical applications in daily life.

One of the strengths of Ma’ariful Quran is its ability to connect the Quranic teachings to the everyday
lives of Muslims, making it a valuable resource for those seeking guidance and inspiration in their
personal and spiritual development. The commentary also includes some helpful footnotes that provide
additional context and explanations where necessary.

The Study Quran

The Study Quran is a comprehensive and innovative commentary on the Quran that was published in
2015 by a team of Islamic scholars, including Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Caner Dagli, Maria Massi Dakake, and
Joseph Lumbard. This commentary is known for its scholarly rigor, accessibility, and inclusivity, providing
readers with a multifaceted and dynamic understanding of the Quranic text. It is also the first
commentary written for English readers and not a translation.

One of the strengths of The Study Quran is its ability to draw from a wide range of Islamic sources,
including classical commentaries, hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence, to provide readers with a
comprehensive and integrated understanding of the Quranic text. The commentary also includes some
helpful introductory essays that provide background information on the Quranic text and its historical
and cultural contexts. Some have been critical of this commentary for incorporating too wide a variety
of viewpoints.

Tafheem-ul-Quran

Tafheem-ul-Quran is a renowned commentary on the Quran by Syed Abul A’la Maududi. It was first
published in Urdu in the 1940s and later translated into multiple languages, including English. Tafheem-
ul-Quran is an extensive and detailed commentary on the Quranic text, covering a wide range of topics
including the historical context of revelation, the linguistic nuances of the Arabic language, and the
practical implications of the Quranic teachings in daily life.

One of the strengths of Tafheem-ul-Quran is its ability to provide a contemporary and practical
understanding of the Quranic text, drawing from the Islamic tradition and engaging with modern issues
and challenges faced by Muslims today. The commentary also includes some helpful footnotes that
provide additional context and explanations where necessary.

However, some scholars have criticized Tafheem-ul-Quran for its sometimes polemical tone. Some
readers may also find the commentary to be too lengthy and detailed for their needs.
Overall, Tafheem-ul-Quran serves as a valuable resource for those seeking a comprehensive and
practical understanding of the Quranic text and its relevance in modern life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the commentaries on the Quran discussed in this article represent some of the most
popular and reputable resources for understanding the Quranic text. Each commentary provides a
unique perspective on the Quran and its teachings, drawing from a wide range of Islamic sources and
exploring multiple dimensions of Islamic knowledge.

While some commentaries may be more accessible or practical than others, each one has its own
strengths and weaknesses, and readers are encouraged to explore multiple commentaries in order to
deepen their understanding of the Quranic text. Ultimately, the commentaries on the Quran serve as
valuable resources for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, providing insights into the meaning and
significance of the Quranic text and its enduring relevance in our lives today.

Imam Adam’s note

When researching a verse or topic, I like to turn to both Arabic and English commentaries. My personal
preference is to look at Ibn Kathir for textual resources like related hadith, al-Qurtubi in Arabic for
rulings related to a verse, Ibn Ashur or Al-Razi in Arabic for linguistic discussion, Ma’ariful Quran for
quick spiritual advice, and Tafheem for help relating a verse to today. Of course there is much overlap
for these different topics, but I have found that each author excels in this way.

Let us know your favorite tafsir and why in the comments!

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