Books of Exegesis

The second collection of narrations consists of those relevant to exegesis. Since this is primarily related to the commentary of the Holy Qur’ān, and is of academic merit, in this field of study, prudence, equivalent to that of Ḥadīth, has not been exercised. However, the relevant areas of this collection are also beneficial in the compilation and composition of Sīrat and history. In this regard, the most renowned books, which comprise the commentary of the Holy Qur’ān by the inclusion of various transcriptions and traditions, are mentioned below:

1 Tafsīr Ibni Jarīr (20 Volumes) Imām Abū Ja‘far Muḥammad bin Jarīr Aṭ-Ṭabarī (224 A.H. – 310 A.H.) Among the quoted exegeses, this is the most comprehensive collection. However, weak narrations have also found way of inclusion in to this collection.
2 Tafsīr Ibni Kathīr (10 Volumes) Ḥāfiẓ ‘Imād-ud-Dīn Ismā‘īl bin ‘Umar Ibni Kathīr (700 A.H. – 774 A.H.) This exegesis has been deemed extremely reputable and authentic. ‘Allāmah Zarqānī claims that an exegesis of this calibre is yet to be produced.
3 Ad-Durarul-Manthūr fit-Tafsīr bil-Māthūr (6 Volumes) Sheikh Jalāl-ud-Dīn ‘Abdur-Raḥmān bin Abī Bakr As-Suyūṭī (849 A.H. – 911 A.H.) This written work is of latter times and is comprised of both valuable and incon-sequential material.