How to make Quran Tafseer Notes?

Tafseer is the Arabic word for "explanation" or "interpretation." It is the science of explaining the verses of the Quran. Making Tafseer notes is not just an academic exercise; it is a deeply personal and spiritual journey. It’s about having a conversation with the Quran, writing down your thoughts, questions, and the gems of wisdom you discover.

As a beginner in making notes, we all wonder how to make quran notes? If you also have the same question, then you are in the right place to find your answer. 

Creating Tafsir notes (explanatory notes of the Quran) is an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the Quran's meaning, context, and lessons.

In this post, I will tell you some easy ways to make your Quran Notes in a creative way- so you not only understand the quran deeply but also enjoy your journaling journey!

                                               My Notes: Surah Fatihah Ayah 1

1. Begin with Dua:

This is the most important step. Purify your intention. Make it sincere for the sake of Allah alone. Say to yourself: "I am doing this to understand the message of my Creator, to get closer to Him, and to reform my life according to His guidance." A sincere intention turns this entire process into an act of worship. Pick up your pen and notebook, take a moment, and make a heartfelt dua.

Ask Allah to open your heart for the Quran and bless you with the wisdom to live by its teachings.

By making Dua, you are inviting the divine wisdom into your reflections and notes. When you ask Allah sincerely, the quran feels like it's speaking to you.

2. Choose your Focus:

The next step is to choose what your focus will be in the Journaling notes. Don't try to cover too much at once. The goal is depth, not speed. It’s better to deeply understand three verses than to skim through thirty. Whether you want to make Qur'an tafsir notes in sequential order or want to start with your favorite Surah or Ayah - the choice is yours.

Here are a few journaling styles you can choose from, based on what suits you best. 

1. Sequential ( Surah by Surah)
2. Thematic ( Topics like patience (sabar), dua, etc)
3. Daily life reflections
4. Your Favorite Surah ( Surah Rehman, Surah Kahf)
5. Your Favorite Verse ( Ayah)

3. The Step by Step Notes Taking Process

Now, let's get into the core of the process. We will break it down into clear stages.

Create a template in your notebook for each set of verses. You can use the following headings. Using a template keeps your notes organized and makes review easier. 

Heading 1: Basic Information

• Surah Name and Number: (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2)
• Verse Number(s): (e.g., Verses 1-5)
• Juz' (Part) Number: This helps you track your progress in the 30-part division of the Quran.
   

Heading 2: The Context (Asbab al-Nuzul)

This is about the "why" and "when" the verse was revealed. Understanding the context is like turning on the lights in a dark room—it illuminates the meaning.

• Was it revealed in Makkah or Madinah? Makkan verses often focus on belief in Allah, the Hereafter, and moral teachings. Madinan verses often deal with social laws, community building, and detailed rulings.
• What was the specific event or question that led to its revelation? For example, many verses in Surah An-Nur about modesty and etiquette were revealed after a specific incident involving slander.
   

Heading 3: Word-by-Word Meaning (Key Vocabulary)

The Quran uses words with immense depth. Pick 2-3 key words from the verse and explore their meanings.

• Write the Arabic word.
• Write its basic translation.
• Look up its deeper meaning or root letters. Arabic words come from root letters that give a core meaning. Understanding the root can open up layers of understanding.

Example: The word "Salaat" (prayer) comes from the root "Saad-Lam-Waw," which means "connection" or "to follow closely." This tells us that prayer is not just a physical act, but it's about maintaining a connection with Allah.

Heading 4: Explanation of the Verse (The Core Tafseer)

This is the main part. Using your Tafseer resource, summarize the explanation in your own words. Don't copy verbatim. Paraphrase it as if you were explaining it to a friend. This ensures you truly understand it. Ask yourself:

• What is the main message of this verse?
• How do the scholars explain it?
• Are there different opinions? (You can note them if you like, but don't get overwhelmed as a beginner).

Heading 5: Lessons and Wisdoms (The Takeaways)

This is where you extract the practical guidance. What does this verse teach you about:

• Aqeedah (Belief): What does it teach you about Allah, His names, His attributes, or the Hereafter?
• Ibadah (Worship): Does it give guidance on how to worship Allah better?
• Akhlaq (Character): Does it command a good character trait or forbid a bad one? (e.g., patience, honesty, kindness, avoiding backbiting).
• Life Guidance: Is there a lesson about family, money, society, or dealing with difficulties?
   

Heading 6: Action Points

Knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit. Based on the lessons, write down one or two specific, actionable things you can do.

• From a verse about patience: "This week, when I feel angry, I will pause and say 'A'oodhu billahi min ash-shaytaan ir-rajeem' (I seek refuge in Allah from Satan) before I speak."
• From a verse about gratitude: "I will start a gratitude journal and write down three things I'm thankful for every day."

Heading 7: Questions for Further Research

It's okay not to have all the answers. Write down any lingering questions. You can research them later or ask a knowledgeable person.

Use authentic sources like:

1. Tafseer Ibn e Kathir (تفسير ابن كثير)
2. Tafsir Al Tabari (جامع البيان عن تأويل آي القرآن)
3. You can also benefit from audio and video lectures of renowned scholars like Dr Farhat Hashmi, Dr Israr Ahmed, and Nouman Ali Khan, etc

4. Create a Structured Notes Template:

Let me share a simple and structured notes template to help you take Quran notes.

• Start by writing the Surah name and Ayah number.
• Write Word to Word translation of the ayah.
• Note any Context and Background that can explain why this verse was revealed.
• Message of the Ayah
• Tafsir's Summary ( Combine key points from the Scholar's explanation or the Book)
• Add any related authentic Hadiths
• Lessons you learnt from this Ayah

5. Use Bullets, Highlights, and colors:

Using bullets and colors will make it easier to revise the ayah anytime. Adding highlights helps you quickly grasp the main point of the ayah.

I hope this post helps you on your Quran Tafseer Journey. 

Now that you have a clear idea of how to make your own Quran Notes, why not start today?

If you find this post helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family who might benefit too. You can also follow me on TikTok, WhatsApp, and Instagram for more Quran Journaling tips and Reflections. 

Got thoughts or Questions? Leave a Comment below.