what is tafseer of quran

Tafsir is the science of explanation of the Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, or of Quranic commentary. It is an Islamic science related to the revelation of the Quran and is based on the explanation of verses’ meanings. The word "tafsir" comes from the Arabic root word "fassara," which means to expound or to explain. The goal of tafsir is to provide elucidation, explanation, interpretation, context, or commentary for clear understanding and conviction of Gods will. An author of a tafsir is a mufassir, and according to Sunni Islamic scholar Al-Suyuti, mufassirs are required to master 15 fields from different disciplines such as linguistics, rhetoric, theology, and jurisprudence before one can authoritatively interpret the Quran. The foremost discipline that constitutes the basis of tafsir learning is the Arabic language. The history of tafsir in Islam starts with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is the first and fundamental source of the Qurans interpretation. After the Prophets death, the companions took over the responsibility of clarifying the actual verses meanings. Tafsir is important for a better understanding of the Quran and its message, recognizing the Islamic laws that Muslims should implement, and learning the Holy Quran with its true essence and meaning.