The Meaning of the Quran (Tafheem-ul-Qur'an English - 6 Vols)

Tafheem-ul-Quran is a comprehensive six-volume English tafsir covering the entire Qur’an. This edition presents the Arabic text alongside Maududi’s clear English translation and commentary, with helpful introductions for each Surah. Authored by the renowned scholar Syed Abul A’la Maududi – a leading Muslim intellectual of the 20th century – this work has been hailed as a “monumental scholarly work” praised for its clarity and modern approach. In fact, Dar-us-Salam notes that Tafheem-ul-Quran has earned “unqualified and universal praise” for the freshness of its approach and its clarity and force, applying Qur’anic guidance to contemporary issues. Edited and updated in recent editions, the set remains faithful to Maududi’s original insights while using polished, reader-friendly language.

• Complete, verse-by-verse exegesis: Includes Arabic text, English translation, and detailed commentary on every verse. Each Surah is introduced with background and themes, and Maududi’s analysis links theological concepts to practical examples.

• Accessible, modern English: Maududi wrote in a lucid, narrative style that welcomes readers at all levels. His commentary “doesn’t require previous knowledge,” as one reviewer notes, making it suitable even for those new to Qur’anic study. The prose avoids archaic terms and explains ideas in straightforward language.

• Contextual and contemporary: A key strength of Tafheem-ul-Quran is its integration of Islamic philosophy with modern relevance. It repeatedly connects the “timeless wisdom of the Quran” to today’s challenges. Darussalamshop highlights that Maududi “applied the Qur’anic principles to the solution of the problems of the modern age,” demonstrating how the Qur’an remains “up-to-date”.

• High-quality production: This hardcover set (6 volumes) has been recently revised and reformatted for clarity. Pages are well-organized, and reviewers praise the sturdy binding and print quality.

Modern readability: Unlike many classical tafsirs, Tafheem-ul-Quran reads more like an engaging commentary than a dense encyclopedia. Maududi’s explanations unfold in logical paragraphs with clear subheadings, making complex topics easier to digest. For example, a satisfied reader reports that this tafsir is “way easier to follow and understand” than other traditional commentaries. Each topic is kept focused: historical context, linguistic nuance, and practical implications are explained without heavy redundancy. As another reviewer observes, Tafheem-ul-Quran is one of the few tafsirs that can be picked up by non-specialists – even non-Muslims – without difficulty. This accessibility makes it ideal for modern English-speaking audiences, from students and educators to general readers.

Comparison to Other Tafsirs: Tafheem-ul-Quran offers a unique balance between depth and readability.

• Ibn Kathir: The famous Ibn Kathir tafsir is highly detailed and hadith-oriented, providing extensive citations and historical narratives. While Ibn Kathir’s work is invaluable, it can be lengthy (often devoting pages to a single verse) and uses classical Arabic sources heavily. By contrast, Maududi’s tafsir is more thematic. Readers have found Tafheem-ul-Quran “way easier to follow” than Ibn Kathir’s commentary, since Maududi summarizes lessons in fresh language instead of repeating long chains of narration.

• Al-Jalalayn: Tafsir Al-Jalalayn is known for its brevity and clarity. It provides a concise, straightforward explanation of verses, making it a popular first tafsir. However, its short form means it omits many details and modern examples. In contrast, Tafheem-ul-Quran spans six volumes to give a far more extensive treatment. It retains the clear tone of Jalalayn but adds comprehensive introductions, thematic overviews, and contemporary reflections that shorter commentaries cannot.

In Summary: Tafheem-ul-Quran (Meanings of the Quran) is an engaging, thorough English tafsir that brings Maududi’s insight to today’s readers. It combines authoritative scholarship with an inviting writing style – as one publisher notes, Maududi bridges “the gap between the timeless wisdom of the Quran and the modern-day issues” we face. This set is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a deeper, yet accessible, understanding of the Qur’an. Its modern English narrative and updated commentary make it especially suitable for contemporary audiences, while its comprehensive scope ensures that no part of the text is left unexplained.

Features at a Glance: Detailed Arabic text with English translation and commentary; clear introductions to each Surah; addresses modern issues; updated 6-volume hardcover edition; by a respected 20th-century scholar. This acclaimed tafsir is well-suited for students, teachers, and general readers alike who want both authenticity and clarity in their study of the Qur’an.