Question
What does tafseer mean and how it is different from Tashree’? What does it mean when we interpret an ayah according to shaan-e nazool (occasion of revelation)? Is all interpretation made this way? In English law power to interpret laws is with superior judiciary. Where does this power lie in Islamic system, qazi or jurist?
Answer
Both tafseer and tashree’ refer to an endeavour to interpret a text. There is no difference between the two. Islam does not invest the right to understand, explain and explicate the texts with any individual or group of individuals or a specific specialist. It is the right of all those who equip themselves with the required tool. Since qadis are always supposed to have knowledge of the shari’ah and have full command over the law their interpretation of the law prevails in the courts.
Answered by: Tariq Mahmood Hashmi
Date: 2015-02-14
