Don’t mistake the focus on reflection for omission and rejection of classical texts. Just because I’m not talking about Tafseer doesn’t mean I’m dismissing its importance.
I wholeheartedly acknowledge the role Tafseer plays in building your understanding and delicately enforcing the boundaries that keep us from falling into outright blasphemy. It goes without saying (although the Recite & Reflect method says just that) that referring to the tafasir of our scholars is a critical step in reaching the correct understanding.
I also acknowledge that not everyone has the capacity, ability or desire to take on an in-depth study of classical Tafseer before they’re able to connect with the Quran in a meaningful way.
I don’t think it’s fair to leave those people out in the cold so to speak. The Quran is for everyone. There are boundaries, this isn’t a blank check to go nuts, derive new laws or claim you’re a prophet. Neither is it a call to disregard the divinity, reverence and authority of the Quran.
It’s an invitation to approach the Quran with a different view and develop a style of thinking that helps you find the word of Allah personally relevant, intimately familiar and deeply meaningful.
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