Short answer
Start with a short, reliable tafsir from Ahl al-Sunnah that your local scholars recommend, and if possible read it with a teacher. Classical works include al-Tabari, Ibn Kathir, al-Qurtubi, al-Nasafi and al-Jalalayn. In English, Ma'ariful Quran by Mufti Muhammad Shafi and an abridged Ibn Kathir are widely used in Hanafi circles.
Explaining the Quran by personal opinion without knowledge is forbidden. Tafsir must rest on the Quran itself, authentic hadith, the Companions, the Arabic language and the agreed principles of Ahl al-Sunnah. For laymen, the Deobandi institutions usually recommend Ma'ariful Quran and classical works such as Tafsir al-Nasafi (Madarik al-Tanzil).
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
Allah sent the Quran so that people would reflect on it (38:29), and He gave the Prophet ﷺ the task of explaining it (16:44). A tafsir (commentary) helps you understand the context, the language and the rulings of each ayah. A translation alone often hides these.
Classical tafsirs (mostly in Arabic, some translated):
- al-Tabari: the earliest great tafsir, built on reports from the Companions and their students.
- Ibn Kathir: explains the Quran by the Quran and hadith. An abridged English edition is widely available.
- al-Qurtubi: strong on rulings (ahkam).
- al-Nasafi (Madarik al-Tanzil): a concise tafsir by a Hanafi scholar.
- al-Jalalayn: very short, good for a first pass in Arabic.
- Ruh al-Ma'ani (al-Alusi): long and detailed, for advanced study.
In English, Ma'ariful Quran by Mufti Muhammad Shafi (d. 1976) is the standard in many Hanafi homes and madrasahs. It explains each passage, its context and its rulings in simple language.
How to choose:
- Prefer a tafsir by a scholar of known sound belief, which quotes its sources.
- Be careful with tafsirs that reject hadith or reinterpret clear rulings to fit modern ideas.
- Some well-known modern commentaries are read with caution by many scholars because of particular views. Ask a local scholar before relying on one.
- Read slowly and ask a teacher when something is unclear.
See also choosing an English translation and reading without understanding.
The evidence
Quran, Surah Saad 38:29
كِتَٰبٌ أَنزَلْنَٰهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَٰرَكٌۭ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوٓا۟ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ ﴿٢٩﴾
[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.
The Quran was revealed to be reflected upon.
Quran, Surah An-Nahl 16:44
بِٱلْبَيِّنَٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِ ۗ وَأَنزَلْنَآ إِلَيْكَ ٱلذِّكْرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ﴿٤٤﴾
[We sent them] with clear proofs and written ordinances. And We revealed to you the message that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that they might give thought.
The Prophet's ﷺ explanation is the first source of tafsir.
Sahih al-Bukhari 3461
Sahih... بلغوا عني ولو آية ...
"Convey from me, even if it is one ayah."
Passing on the Quran and its meaning is a duty, which tafsir serves.
Where the ruling is recorded
- al-Itqan (al-Suyuti), Chapter on the conditions of the mufassir. Lists what a person must know before explaining the Quran.
- Ma'ariful Quran (Mufti Muhammad Shafi), Introduction, on the sources of tafsir. Explains why tafsir must rest on transmitted sources and not on opinion.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.