The Ruling of Tafsir and Its Categories
Allah revealed the Qur’an in order for us to ponder it: “A Book that We have sent down to you, blessed, so that they may ponder its verses.” [38:29] Allah also rebukes those who do not ponder it: “Do they not ponder the Qur’an, or are there locks on some hearts?” [47:24] Tadabbur, or pondering, the Qur’an is to contemplate its words and meanings time after time to penetrate its depths. Hence it can be said that Tadabbur is a stage that follows after Tafsir, because one cannot ponder a verse or surah if he does not first understand it at a basic level. Consequently, the command for Tadabbur is a command for Tafsir by greater reason.
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