Usool at-Tafseer, or the Fundamental Principles of Qur'aanic Interpretation, refers to the branches of knowledge that are necessary to provide an accurate interpretation of the Qur'aanic texts[2]. These branches of knowledge include Arabic grammar and syntax, Arabic literature, and Qur'aanic sciences (‘uloom al-Qur’aan)[2]. In addition, familiarity with modern fields of learning, such as the pure sciences and social sciences, is necessary for a commentator to make the Qur'aanic explanations relevant to modern human society[2]. Usool at-Tafseer addresses the step-by-step methodology of interpreting the Qur'aan to ensure that interpretations are not based on personal whims and fancies[2]. It emphasizes the importance of using proper methodology and relying on sound principles of interpretation[2]. These principles have traditionally been mentioned in the books of usool al-fiqh (The Fundamental Principles of Islamic Law) and the introductions to classical books of Tafseer[2]. Among the well-known early works dedicated to Usool at-Tafseer is a treatise called "Muqaddimah fee Usool at-Tafseer" by Ibn Taymeeyah, an outstanding scholar of the 13th century CE[2]. Another notable work is "at-Takmeel fee Usool at-Ta'weel" by the Indian scholar ‘Abdul-Hameed al-Faraahee[2]. The term "‘uloom al-Qur’aan" is commonly used to refer to all the fields of knowledge that serve to elucidate the Qur'aan or are derived from it[2]. These fields include the following[2]: Tafseer (exegesis) Qiraa’aat (recitations) Ar-rasmul-‘Uthmaanee (the ‘Uthmaanic script) I‘jaaz al-Qur’aan (miraculous aspects of the Qur’aan) Asbaab an-nuzool (reasons for revelation) An-naasikh wal-mansookh (abrogating and abrogated verses) I‘raab al-Qur’aan (Qur’aanic grammar) Ghareeb al-Qur’aan (unusual Qur’aanic terms) Religious rulings Arabic language and literature
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