Ibn Kathir

Biography

Ismāʿīl ibn ʿUmar ibn Kathīr (1301-1373 CE) was a highly influential scholar whose tafsir is one of the most widely read today. His work, 'Tafsīr al-Qurʾān al-ʿAẓīm', emphasizes explaining the Quran through other Quranic verses, hadith, and statements of the companions.

Tafsir Methodology

Ibn Kathir's methodology prioritizes 'tafsir al-Quran bil-Quran' (explaining Quran with Quran), followed by authentic hadith and statements of companions. He critically evaluates narrations and often critiques weak reports, though he does include and comment on various narrations for scholarly completeness.

Notable Works

• •Tafsīr al-Qurʾān al-ʿAẓīm (Tafsir)
• •Al-Bidāyah wa-n-Nihāyah (History)
• •Al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya

Areas of Expertise