The Great Commentary on the Qur’an in four volumes

Description

This is one of the most important traditional commentaries, concise in its wording yet comprehensive in its meaning. God has granted it widespread acceptance among people, both scholars and the general public. Among the most important features of Ibn Kathir’s commentary, may God have mercy on him, are: his selection of the best methods for interpreting the Qur’an, such as interpreting the Qur’an with the Qur’an itself, with the Sunnah, and with the sayings of the Companions and their Successors; his attention to the Arabic language and its sciences, his focus on the chains of narration and their critical analysis; and his attention to mentioning the variant readings and the reasons for revelation. As-Suyuti said: “He (Ibn Kathir) has a commentary the likes of which has never been written.” Ash-Shawkani said: “He has the famous commentary, which is in several volumes. He has compiled and included a comprehensive collection, conveying various schools of thought and narrations.” Ahmad Shakir said in his “Umdat At-Tafsir” regarding Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir: “Indeed, Al-Hafiz Ibn Kathir’s commentary is the best, finest, and most precise commentary we have seen, after that of the master of commentators, Abu Ja’far At-Tabari.”