Contributions of Scholars and Rulers to the Development of Science of Interpretation in Kano State, Nigeria from 1960 to 2023.

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study is a historical and field research which examines the contributions of Nigerian scholars to Qur’anic interpretation (tafs?r). It begins with defining the science of interpretation and differentiating it from other similar terminologies. Then, it studies the origin of this science and the stages of its development from the era of the Prophet (PBUH) to the era of its codification. After that, it presents a historical analysis of the geography of Nigeria and the contexts of its people from the social, religious, and political aspects, as the entry and spread of Islam there. Then, the researcher talks about the emergence of this science, and it’s spread in Nigeria, mentioning the history of tafs?r learning circles and Ramadan circles as well as their methods of teaching, in addition to throwing light on the system of teaching tafs?r in traditional institutes and secondary schools, colleges, and universities, along with a brief biography of some of the figures who had an impact on the teaching of the subject. After that, the researcher explores the works written by Nigerians on the science of interpretation. The discussion will also touch on their contribution to audio and video recordings, as well as the role of news outlets, satellite channels, and social media in developing tafs?r circles, with a brief overview of some famous personalities who run these programs. Following this analyzes some accounts on social media such as Facebook and YouTube and their contributions to expanding the field of interpretation. The researcher also reviewed some national conferences and academic seminars conducted on topics related to Quranic interpretation in Nigeria, especially in Kano State. He deliberates further on the National Holy Qur’an Competition and the history of the inclusion of tafs?r into it. Thereafter, the researcher highlighted the efforts of Nigerian governments at various levels to promote the science of interpretation, such as government scholarships to Nigerian students to study in Arab and Islamic countries with an aim to acquire expertise in this science, the establishment of Qur’anic centers in government colleges and universities, and founding independent universities. Apart from this, the researcher presents a general evaluation of the contributions of scholars and rulers to the science of Qur’anic interpretation. To conduct this research, the historical, inductive, and analytical methods will be used along with the field study method, such as interviews via telephone calls and WhatsApp, as and when required by the researcher. Finally, the researcher concludes by listing the most important results and recommendations. Among the most important of them: the research provided brief information about Nigeria and its Muslim population, from the aspects of their social, religious, and political life, while linking it to the movement of interpretation since its inception and before the arrival of the colonialists; all in one place, which will help researchers and scholars in this field. The researcher also pointed to the role of influential people in conducting tafsir sessions at their homes and paying great attention to them. the researcher mentioned the most important works of Nigerians.