نشأة علم التفسير وتطوره في نيجيريا

Abstract

This study highlights the origin and development of the science of Qur’anic interpretation (tafsīr) in Nigeria. It deals with the definition of Qur’anic interpretation linguistically and technically. It summarizes the history of Nigeria, its geography and the lives of the people from religious, social, and political aspects. The study took into brief account the entry and spread of Islam in Nigeria with special focus on  Islamic education and its development in Nigeria. The emergence and development of the science of Qur’anic interpretation and its stages were addressed by highlighting the most prominent scholars who exerted their efforts in this field. As a result, this study found that the school of Sheikh Uthman bin Fodio has introduced and invented a new method of Qur’anic interpretation which was not preceded by any interpreter before him in this continent. The keenness of the people and government to serve the Book of Allah especially before the emergence of the Colonials in the region together with the unceasing interest of the Kings and Sultans such as King of Kano, Muhammad Rumfa and King Aliyu Yaji have indeed catalyzed the growth of Qur’anic interpretation in this region. The study also found that the emergence of the Salafist group and its approach to linking the verses with reality, has given the area of knowledge a great advantage.

Keywords: Quranic interpretation (tafsīr), Nigeria, development, assembly