Key English Terms Related to the Qur'an and Tafsir

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Qur'an

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The holy book of Islam, believed to be the word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

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Tafsir

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Exegesis or commentary on the Qur'an, explaining its meanings and implications.

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Surah

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A chapter of the Qur'an; there are 114 surahs.

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Ayah

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A verse of the Qur'an; each surah is made up of ayahs.

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Revelation

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The act of divine communication, through which the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

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Meccan Surah

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Surahs revealed before the migration of Muhammad to Medina; generally focus on theology and spirituality.

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Medinan Surah

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Surahs revealed after the migration to Medina; often deal with laws, social issues, and community matters.

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Naskh

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Abrogation; the concept of one Qur'anic verse superseding another.

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Mufassir

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A scholar or commentator who specializes in the interpretation of the Qur'an.

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Asbab al-Nuzul

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The occasions or circumstances of revelation; the historical context behind specific Qur'anic verses.