There are several ways to categorize tafsīrs (ar. tafāsir) of the Quran. One of them is by the general structure. The first one is tahlili, and the other is maudhu’i. There are several books and articles that has two more categories, but I think those two is another aspect/dimension of the analysis.
Tahlīli tafsīrs present the tafsīr in sequential analysis. Usually, it started with the characteristics of the Sura, makki or madani, asbab al-nuzul (event(s) that induced the sura/verses’ revelation) and other contexts. Then, those tafsirs will examine verse-by-verse for all of the Quran.
Maudhu’i tafsīrs examines the quran topic-by-topic. I have several books of this kind of tafsir at home. I like the ones written by Sayyid Muthahhari and Ustatz Dr. Quraish Shihab. This kind of tafsir has advantage that they try to presents a topic wholly, presenting all verses of the Quran that are related to the theme. Then they explain what the authors’ interpretation of those verses.
In his book, Quraish Shihab wrotes “Tahlili tafsirs are just like buffets, and maudhu’i ones are like rice boxes”. For non Indonesian people, “rice box” in Indonesia is just like a full-course dinner by a 5-star chef. The chef prepare a ready-to-eat-and-complete meal in a package. There couldn’t be any wrong combination of food, unlike a meal from a buffet.
to be continued …
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