ULUMUL QUR'AN TASK ABOUT TAFSIR, TAKWIL AND TRANSLATION OF AL-QUR'AN

CHAPTER XIII

TAFSIR, TAKWIL AND TRANSLATION OF AL-QUR’AN

A.   Definition of Tafsir, Takwil and Translation

Etimologically,tafsir word taken from word fassara-yufassiru-tafsiran, it means information or discribe or al kasaf wa al-idzhar it means unveil and show. This is connect with al-idhah meaning (explain), al bayan (show), al-kasyf (give expression), al-izhhar (show), and al-ibanah (explain).

Takwil, it is taken from word awwala-yu`awwilu-takwilan, it means describe or explain. Takwil have other meaning as al-ruju’ ila al-asl it means come back to main or orignal version. Terminologically takwil  is swing round or divert meaning words or sentences which have in Al-Qur’an by origin meaning to another meaning which reputed more exact, in other that that meaning more match and approriate with Al-Qur’an teaching soul.

Translation is move, replace or copy something by one languange to another language. Terminologically, tafsir is product of human to express meaning which contain in Al-Qur’an, so that Al-Qur’an can felt as way of life which practice in daily life.

Translation Al-Qur’an is move Al-Qur`an which Arabic language to non Arabic language then print it in order to can read with people which can not understand Arabic language until they can understand Al-Qur’an contain. 

B.   Differences of Tafsir, Takwil and Translation

The different from three meaning is tafsir explain Al-Qur’an verses which always  have a lot of meaning with explaining law and wisdom which can taken from that verse and often making conclusion that verse’s contain. Takwil connect with words meaning Al-Qur’an verse which change position by zhahir meaning to rajih to another meaning which not clear and marjuh and not strong. Translation only change verse’s Al-Qur’an words by Arabic language to other language without give very long explain meaning or not with conclusion.

C.   Tafsir bi al-Ma`tsur dan bi al-Rayi

Tafsir bi al-Ma`tsur is Al-Qur’an interpretation which refer to Al-Qur’an explaining, prophet Muhammad explaining, sohabah explaining, and what tabi`in said whith ijtihad way. The are four elements tafsir Al-Matsur source, there are : interpreting Al-Qur’an with Al-Qur’an, interpreting Al-Qur’an with sunnah or hadits, interpreting Al-Qur’an with sohabah opinion, interpreting Al-Qur’an with tabi`in opinion.

Tafsir bi al-Ra’yi tafsir which refer to ijtihad (the intrepreter). Between muftis is reject and the other is accept.