Almost half of the Qur’an consists of stories (Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, etc.). Ibn Kathir, being also a historian, weaves in details from authentic sources. Reading this in Malay makes it as engaging as a novel but spiritually uplifting.
Keep a physical copy of the Mushaf (e.g., Terjemahan Al-Quran Al-Karim by Kementerian Hal Ehwal Islam Malaysia) next to your PDF. Recite the Arabic first, read the Malay, then read Ibn Kathir’s explanation.
Downloading the PDF is just the first step. Here is how to get the most out of it:
Without context, a verse might seem confusing. For example, Surah Al-Lahab (111). Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains exactly why Abu Lahab’s wife will carry firewood. The Malay translation makes this story of the Prophet’s uncle come alive.