Kinds of Tafsir

• Tafsir may be divided into three basic groups: [This classification has been borrowed from Sabuni, tibyan, p.63. See also Qattan, op.cit. section 25.]
• Tafsir bi-l-riwaya (by transmission), also known as Tafsir bi-l-ma'thur.
• Tafsir bi'l-ra'y (by sound opinion; also known as tafsir bi-l-diraya, by knowledge).
• Tafsir bi-l-ishara (by indication, from signs).