The Tafsir Department
Emarat e Shariah & Nadwatut Tameer
From the earliest period of human creation, Allah the Almighty sent Prophets and Messengers to guide mankind. Along with them, He revealed divine scriptures so that humanity could follow a clear and disciplined system of life, maintain peace and harmony in society, and attain closeness to their Creator. In total, 104 scriptures and divine books were revealed for the guidance of humanity.
Over the passage of time, most of these scriptures were either lost or altered. The Holy Qur'an, however, remains the only divine revelation that continues to exist in its original form. It is preserved in its complete and authentic state and will remain so until the Day of Judgment.
Allah Himself has taken the responsibility of protecting the Qur'an. The Qur'an is the only divine message that never loses its beauty or impact even after repeated recitation. It stands as a living miracle and a timeless source of guidance.
Meaning and Importance of Tafsir
From the time of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) until today, scholars have explained and interpreted the Qur'an in order to make its teachings understandable to people. This explanation of the Qur'an is known as Tafsir.
Literal Meaning
In its literal sense, Tafsir means explaining something clearly and in detail by elaborating on its meaning.
Technical Definition
In the technical sense, Tafsir refers to presenting the detailed and correct explanation of the verses of the Qur'an in a language that people can understand.
Universal Guide
The Qur'an is a universal guide for all humanity — an eternal and unaltered constitution that provides a complete system of life for mankind.
It is essential for Muslims to gain knowledge of the Qur'an, learn its proper recitation, understand its meaning, and pass this knowledge on to future generations.
Tafsir Activities of the Organization
In order to educate the Muslim community with the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith, the visionary scholar Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury (RA) placed the study and explanation of the Qur'an at the forefront of the organization's activities. When the Talimi Jamaat was initiated on 22 February 1963, Tafsir of the Qur'an was included as one of its primary programs.
From the very beginning, he strongly instructed the members of the organization to arrange Tafsir gatherings so that the message of the Qur'an could reach the wider Muslim community. Among the main objectives of the organization, spreading the understanding of the Qur'an through Tafsir has always remained one of the most important.
A Mission Rooted in Necessity
Maulana Abdul Jalil Choudhury realized that without the proper explanation and understanding of the Qur'an, it would be extremely difficult for Muslims to establish a pure Islamic way of life free from shirk and bid'ah. Therefore, he took steps to organize Tafsir gatherings in different regions so that Muslims from all walks of life could benefit from the teachings of the Qur'an.
Tafsir Gatherings and Educational Impact
Regular Tafsir gatherings are organized in every regional unit (Anchalik) on a weekly, fortnightly, and monthly basis. These gatherings provide an opportunity for ordinary Muslims to learn and understand the message of the Qur'an directly from qualified scholars.
People who do not have the opportunity to receive formal religious education benefit greatly from these Tafsir sessions. As a result, the light of Islamic knowledge has spread widely throughout the North Eastern region. These gatherings have also created a strong connection between the scholars and the general public, helping the community become more aware of the teachings of the Qur'an and Hadith.
To ensure the proper and effective conduct of these gatherings, trained scholars known as Mufassirs deliver the explanations of the Qur'an. Training is also provided to those who lead Tafsir sessions so that they can present authentic and accurate interpretations.
Administration of the Tafsir Department
The Tafsir activities are organized in a structured manner. Reports of Tafsir gatherings are first submitted from the regional level to the district administration, and then from the district to the central office.
Maulana Muhammad Abdullah
Currently serving as the Central Secretary of the Tafsir Department, supervising and coordinating the activities related to Tafsir across the organization. He oversees the organization of Tafsir gatherings and ensures that these programs continue effectively in different regions.
Continuation of the Tafsir Tradition
Hazrat Shaikh Badrpuri (RA) used to regularly deliver Tafsir of the Qur'an every Friday after the Jumu'ah prayer at the Alakulipur Mosque. After his passing, this tradition was continued under the leadership of the second Ameer e Shariat, Hazrat Allama Tayebur Rahman Barbhuiya (RA).
Hazrat Shaikh Badrpuri (RA)
Founder of the Friday Tafsir tradition at Alakulipur Mosque, delivered after Jumu'ah prayer.
Hazrat Allama Tayebur Rahman Barbhuiya (RA)
Second Ameer e Shariat who continued the tradition after the passing of Hazrat Shaikh Badrpuri (RA).
Hazrat Maulana Yousuf Ali
Present (third) Ameer e Shariat currently carrying forward this honoured tradition.
Currently, Tafsir of the Qur'an is delivered on the first Friday of every English month at Alakulipur. These gatherings attract large numbers of listeners who come to benefit from the explanation and understanding of the Qur'an.
Present Activities
Today, Tafsir gatherings are being conducted in many places across the entire North Eastern region under the supervision of Emarat e Shariah and Nadwatut Tameer. Although the establishment of this system initially faced strong opposition, the scholars of the organization remained steadfast in their mission.
Despite many challenges, the qualified scholars of Nadwa have continued to organize Tafsir gatherings and remain committed to spreading the teachings of the Qur'an and serving the cause of Islam.
Through these efforts, the message of the Qur'an continues to reach people in different parts of the region and strengthen their understanding of Islam.