You are on page 1of 1

Why knowing the context of an ayah is important for the interpretation of the Quran?

Defend with example.

The Quran is the Word of God, the description of the historical setting, people’s actions and

involvement in any event is not necessarily the Word of God. Many people read the Quran

without understanding the context. English translations of the Quran either give no context, or a

limited context. As a person’s understanding of Islam develops, so there is a necessary

correlation with trying to develop a deeper understanding of the words of the Quran. This is

greatly assisted, with the translations of the tafsirs (explanations) available today.

It is important to study passages in the Quran and to know the context of an Ayah. Context has to

do with four principles: literal meaning (what the words say), the historical setting – the event(s)

in which the words were used, who were the words addressed to and how those words were

understood at that time, the grammatical structure – of the passage and synthesis – comparing it

with other passages in the Quran for a fuller meaning. All of these things refer to context. Taking

Ayah out of context leads to all kind of errors and misunderstandings.

For example: Quran says: “And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are

the Kafirun.” Quran says: “And whosoever does not judge by that which Allah has revealed,

such are the Zalimun.” Quran says: “And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed

(then) such (people) are the Fasiqun.”

You might also like