Why I Never Read This Book?

I wanted to share reflections from my journey, particularly about the profound lessons I learned when studying tafseer, or the commentary of the Quran.

Discovering the Tafseer of As-Sa’di

When I began my journey of seeking knowledge, I was introduced to many notable scholars and books of tafseer. A frequently recommended starting point was the tafseer authored by Shaykh Abdul Rahman ibn Nasir As-Sa’di, titled “Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahman fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannan.” Known for its simplicity, this tafseer is often described as beginner-friendly. Initially, I dismissed it, seeking more advanced works like the tafseer of Ibn Kathir or Imam Al-Qurtubi. I naively thought that “beginner books” were unworthy of my attention, focusing instead on what I perceived to be deeper, more complex works.

A Transformative Lesson in Pakistan

It wasn’t until 2022, during my studies with a Shaykh in Pakistan, that I truly understood the immense value of Shaykh As-Sa’di’s work. Despite my reservations, my Shaykh chose to teach from this tafseer. With humility, I committed to studying it under his guidance, starting with the Basmalah in Surah Al-Fatiha.

The explanations were profound. Shaykh As-Sa’di’s meticulous unpacking of linguistic and theological concepts astounded me. For instance, his analysis of the word “Bismillah” revealed that beginning with Allah's name encompasses every beautiful name and attribute of Allah. This revelation, rooted in Arabic grammar and Usul Al-Fiqh, highlighted Shaykh As-Sa’di’s depth of knowledge and clarity of thought. I realized my previous dismissal of his work was a reflection of my own misunderstanding and underappreciation.

The Importance of Building Foundations

This experience taught me a crucial lesson: knowledge should be pursued with strong foundations. Beginner books are not inferior but essential stepping stones. They build the understanding necessary to engage with more advanced texts. Shaykh As-Sa’di’s tafseer, while concise and accessible, is filled with profound insights that even advanced students of knowledge can benefit from.

Skipping foundational works in favor of more complex ones can lead to confusion and hinder progress. This realization reinforced the value of humility and a systematic approach in seeking knowledge.

Advice for Aspiring Students

For those eager to study the Quran and tafseer, I encourage you to embrace foundational works like Shaykh As-Sa’di’s tafseer. Start simple, establish firm roots, and gradually progress to advanced texts. Remember, even the seemingly “basic” books are treasure troves of knowledge when studied with the right intention and under proper guidance.

You can find more information by watching this video

BarakAllahu Feekum. May Allah Grant Us Understanding of The Qur'an.