An online Quran Tafseer course teaches the meaning, context, and practical lessons behind Quranic verses — not just recitation — through live one-on-one Online Quran Tafseer classes with a qualified tutor, using authentic classical tafseer sources such as Ibn Kathir and Tafseer al-Jalalayn. A structured online course typically takes 12–24 months to cover the full Quran in depth, with flexible scheduling for students of any age, anywhere in the world.

This guide explains exactly what a Online Quran Tafseer course online involves, who it’s for, what the curriculum covers, how classes are structured, what it costs, and how to enroll with a trusted Online Quran Academy. It is written to directly answer the questions students and parents most often search for, so you can find what you need whether you’re skimming, asking a voice assistant, or reading start to finish.

Key Takeaways

• Tafseer teaches the meaning and context of the Quran — it is distinct from tajweed (pronunciation) and Hifz (memorization).
• Courses are structured in progressive levels, so beginners with no Arabic background can start immediately.
• Teacher credentials (Ijazah, formal Islamic studies degree, verifiable experience) matter more than the platform or app used.
• One-on-one online tuition typically costs $50–$120/month and should include a free trial class.
• A full, in-depth course of the Quran’s major themes and surahs generally takes 18–30 months of consistent study.

Introduction: Why Tafseer Matters More Than Recitation Alone

Millions of Muslims around the world can recite the Quran beautifully, yet many have never studied what the verses actually mean, why they were revealed, or how they apply to daily life. This gap is exactly what a dedicated Quran Tafseer course is designed to close. Tafseer — the science of Quranic exegesis — takes a reciter from simply pronouncing Arabic words correctly to genuinely understanding the guidance, wisdom, and legal rulings embedded in the text.

Learning tafseer online has become one of the fastest-growing forms of Islamic education because it removes the two biggest barriers families face: access to a qualified, trustworthy scholar, and a class schedule that fits around work, school, and time zones. A well-run Online Quran Academy USA solves both problems by pairing students one-on-one with certified tafseer teachers over live video, on a schedule the student controls.

This article walks through everything a prospective student or parent needs to evaluate before enrolling: what tafseer actually covers, how a legitimate course is structured, what credentials a tafseer teacher should hold, how much the course should cost, and the questions people most commonly ask before signing up.

What Is Quran Tafseer? (Definition & Meaning)

Tafseer (also spelled tafsir) is the Islamic scholarly discipline of explaining and interpreting the Quran. The word comes from the Arabic root fa-sa-ra, meaning ‘to explain’ or ‘to make clear.’ Where tajweed teaches correct pronunciation and Hifz teaches memorization, tafseer answers a different question entirely: what does this verse mean, in its historical context, and what does it require of the reader today?

What a Tafseer Scholar Actually Analyzes

• Asbab al-Nuzul — the historical reasons and circumstances behind a verse’s revelation
• Linguistic analysis — the precise meaning of Arabic words, grammar, and rhetorical structure
• Cross-referencing — how a verse relates to other verses on the same topic
• Hadith context — authentic sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that clarify a verse
• Scholarly consensus (Ijma) and juristic differences (Ikhtilaf) where interpretations vary
• Practical application — how the verse’s guidance applies to a believer’s life today

Classical tafseer works studied in a serious course typically include Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Tafseer al-Tabari, Tafseer al-Qurtubi, and Tafseer al-Jalalayn. A credible online course will name the specific sources it teaches from — vague marketing language like “we teach the meaning of the Quran” without naming a source is a signal to ask more questions before enrolling.

Two Broad Categories of Tafseer

• Tafseer bil Riwayah (narration-based): explanation drawn directly from the Quran itself, authentic hadith, and the statements of the companions and early scholars. Ibn Kathir is the most widely used example of this category.
• Tafseer bil Ra’i (reasoned/opinion-based): explanation that incorporates scholarly reasoning and linguistic analysis alongside narration, provided it does not contradict established narration-based tafseer.

A structured course usually begins with narration-based tafseer as the foundation, since it carries the least risk of introducing a student’s personal bias into the meaning of the text, before layering in linguistic and thematic analysis at more advanced levels.

A Brief History of Tafseer as a Science

Tafseer began with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself explaining verses to his companions as they were revealed. After his passing, companions such as Ibn Abbas — often called the “translator of the Quran” for his depth of understanding — became primary references for the next generation. Over the following centuries, scholars compiled and cross-referenced these explanations into the comprehensive written tafseer works studied today, a scholarly chain (isnad) that a qualified teacher’s Ijazah is meant to preserve and pass on.

A Worked Example: Understanding a Verse Through Tafseer

To make the difference between reading and understanding concrete, consider Surah Al-Asr — one of the shortest surahs in the Quran, often among the first surahs memorized by beginners. On a surface reading, it is a brief oath followed by a statement about mankind being in loss, with an exception for those who believe, do good, and encourage one another toward truth and patience.

A tafseer-level study of this short passage draws out far more: classical scholars note that the opening oath by “time” (al-asr) is significant in itself, since swearing by something in the Quran points to its importance as a sign worth reflecting on — here, the passing of time and how it is spent. Tafseer then unpacks each of the four conditions given as an exception to loss — belief, righteous action, mutual encouragement toward truth, and mutual encouragement toward patience — explaining why all four are named together rather than any one alone, since scholars note that correct belief without action, or individual righteousness without contributing to the community around oneself, is presented as incomplete.

This is the essential value a tafseer course adds: a student who has only memorized this surah knows four conditions are listed. A student who has studied its tafseer understands why those four conditions are structured together, what each term implies in its original context, and how the verse is meant to reshape daily behavior — turning a 14-word memorized passage into a framework for how one spends their time, relationships, and effort.

Why Learn Tafseer Online Instead of In Person?

Traditional tafseer study historically required years of in-person study circles (halaqas) with a scholar, which simply isn’t accessible to most Muslims living outside major Islamic centers. An Online Quran academy in USA removes that geographic barrier entirely — a student in Ohio or Toronto can study with a qualified Al-Azhar-trained or Ijazah-holding scholar based anywhere in the world, live, over video call.

Key Advantages of Online Tafseer Classes

• One-on-one attention: Unlike a mosque study circle with 20+ attendees, online classes are typically 1:1 or small group, so the pace matches the student.
• Flexible scheduling: Classes are booked around the student’s time zone and daily routine rather than a fixed weekly mosque schedule.
• Teacher choice: Students can request a male or female tutor — see our dedicated female Quran tutor program for sisters who prefer a female instructor.
• Recorded sessions: Many platforms allow lessons to be recorded (with permission) for later review, something an in-person halaqa cannot offer.
• Lower cost: Without the overhead of a physical school building, online tuition is typically a fraction of in-person private tutoring costs.

Who Should Take an Online Quran Tafseer Course?

A tafseer course is not reserved for advanced scholars. In a well-designed curriculum, tafseer study is broken into levels so it is accessible from childhood through adulthood.

Children (Ages 8+)

Children who have completed Noorani Qaida and can read Quran with basic tajweed are ready to begin an age-appropriate, story-based introduction to tafseer — focusing on the meaning behind short surahs like Al-Fatiha, Al-Ikhlas, and the final juz.

Teenagers & Young Adults

Students in this age group benefit most from tafseer that connects Quranic guidance to real, modern-day questions — identity, purpose, social media, peer pressure — using verses as the entry point for discussion.

Working Adults

Busy professionals often start with thematic tafseer (verses grouped by topic — patience, gratitude, family, business ethics) rather than sequential surah-by-surah study, since it delivers practical value faster. Adults already enrolled in online Quran classes for recitation or memorization frequently add a tafseer component once their reading is fluent.

Huffaz (Those Who Have Memorized the Quran)

Students who have completed Quran memorization often pursue tafseer next, since understanding the meaning of what they’ve memorized deepens retention and gives their recitation in prayer far greater personal meaning.

What You Will Learn: Full Curriculum Breakdown

A structured online tafseer course is typically divided into progressive levels. Below is the curriculum framework used by reputable programs, moving from foundational vocabulary to full classical exegesis.

Level 1 — Foundations (Months 1–3)

• Quranic Arabic vocabulary essentials (the 300–400 most frequent root words)
• Basic grammar needed to parse a verse (subject, verb, particles)
• Tafseer of Juz Amma (the 30th part) — the shortest, most memorized surahs
• Introduction to Asbab al-Nuzul (reasons for revelation)

Level 2 — Thematic Tafseer (Months 4–8)

• Verses on Tawheed (monotheism) and belief
• Verses on worship: salah, fasting, zakat, hajj
• Verses on character: patience, gratitude, honesty, humility
• Verses on family, marriage, and social responsibility

Level 3 — Surah-by-Surah Classical Tafseer (Months 9–18)

• Sequential study of major surahs using Tafseer Ibn Kathir as the primary text
• Cross-referencing with Tafseer al-Jalalayn for concise linguistic notes
• Introduction to differences of scholarly opinion (Ikhtilaf) on ambiguous verses

Level 4 — Advanced & Specialized Study (Months 18+)

• Ayat al-Ahkam — verses containing legal rulings (fiqh-related tafseer)
• Comparative tafseer across Ibn Kathir, al-Tabari, and al-Qurtubi
• Guided practice delivering short tafseer explanations (for students pursuing teaching)

What Success Looks Like at Each Level

A student completing Level 1 should be able to explain, in their own words, the general meaning of any surah in Juz Amma and recognize roughly 100–150 common Quranic root words on sight. By the end of Level 2, a student should be able to identify which thematic category a given verse belongs to (belief, worship, character, or social conduct) and explain its practical implication without prompting. Completing Level 3 means a student can read a passage from Tafseer Ibn Kathir independently (in translation) and summarize its key points accurately, having covered the tafseer of most major, frequently recited surahs. Level 4 is reserved for students aiming to eventually teach or deliver structured tafseer explanations themselves, and includes guided practice presenting a short tafseer lesson under a supervising teacher’s feedback.

Every level is paced individually — a serious USA Quran academy will assess the student before placement rather than starting every enrollee at Level 1 by default.

Who Teaches the Course? Instructor Qualifications

The single most important factor in a tafseer course’s quality is the credential of the teacher — not the platform, the app, or the marketing. Before enrolling anywhere, ask for the specific qualifications below in writing.

Credentials to Look For

• Ijazah in Tafseer or Quranic Sciences — a formal chain of authorization from a recognized scholar, the traditional Islamic equivalent of an academic license to teach.
• Al-Azhar University or equivalent Dar al-Uloom degree — formal enrollment in classical Islamic studies, not a short certificate course.
• Hifz (memorization) of the Quran — most credible tafseer teachers have also memorized the Quran, since it is difficult to teach the meaning of verses one hasn’t internalized.
• Verifiable teaching experience — years actively teaching, not just holding a certificate.

Content reviewed by: [Name], Head of Academics, Ijazah-holder in Quran and Tafseer, [X] years of teaching experience. — Replace this reviewer box with your own instructor’s real name, credentials, and photo before publishing; a named, verifiable reviewer is one of the strongest trust (E-E-A-T) signals a Quran education page can carry.

Students may also request a female instructor for tafseer study — our female Quran tutor USA program is staffed by credentialed sisters for female students and young children who prefer a female teacher.

How Online Tafseer Classes Are Structured

Class Format

• Live one-on-one video sessions (Zoom, Skype, or a dedicated learning platform)
• Typical session length: 30–60 minutes, 2–4 sessions per week
• Student and teacher share the Quranic text on-screen with live annotation
• Homework: reflection questions or short written summaries between sessions

A Typical First Month, Step by Step

• Step 1 — Assessment call: the teacher evaluates current Quran reading level and Arabic comprehension.
• Step 2 — Placement: the student is placed into the appropriate curriculum level (see the breakdown above).
• Step 3 — First surah selection: usually Al-Fatiha or a short Juz Amma surah, chosen for manageable length.
• Step 4 — Word-by-word walkthrough: the teacher explains vocabulary, then moves to verse-level meaning and context.
• Step 5 — Reflection: the student explains the verse back in their own words to confirm understanding.

Families new to online Islamic education can read our step-by-step beginner walkthrough, how to start learning Quran online, which covers the enrollment process in more detail.

Tools & Technology Used in Online Tafseer Classes

One of the most common hesitations before enrolling is uncertainty about the technical setup required. In practice, the requirements are minimal and most families already own everything needed.

• Video platform: Zoom or Skype are the two most widely used platforms for live one-on-one Quran and tafseer instruction, chosen for reliability and low bandwidth requirements.
• Device: any laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a front-facing camera and microphone is sufficient — no specialized equipment is needed.
• Internet: a stable connection of at least 2–4 Mbps is generally enough for smooth video and audio.
• Digital Mushaf (Quran text): many teachers share their screen with a digital copy of the Quran so the student can follow along with on-screen highlighting as verses are discussed.

Recorded sessions, where permitted, allow students to revisit a teacher’s explanation later — particularly useful for younger learners or working adults reviewing material after a long day.

Tafseer Study for International & Diaspora Students

One of the strongest advantages of online tafseer education is accessibility for Muslim families living outside majority-Muslim countries, where in-person qualified scholars can be scarce or unavailable altogether. Families in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and across Europe increasingly turn to a dedicated online Quran Academy in USA precisely because it connects them with the same caliber of scholarship available in traditional Islamic study centers, without relocation.

Time zone differences are the most common practical concern for international families. Established academies typically operate teaching teams across multiple time zones so that a student in North America, for example, can still be matched with a teacher whose available hours overlap comfortably with their own morning, evening, or weekend schedule — rather than being limited to a single region’s daytime hours.

Common Mistakes New Tafseer Students Make (And How to Avoid Them)

• Starting with advanced classical texts too early: jumping straight into dense scholarly works before building foundational vocabulary leads to frustration; a good teacher paces this deliberately.
• Treating tafseer as a memorization task: the goal is comprehension and application, not memorizing a teacher’s explanation word-for-word.
• Relying on a single source without cross-referencing: even reputable tafseer works occasionally differ on secondary points; a good course teaches students to understand why, not to see one source as infallible.
• Skipping the assessment/placement step: starting at the wrong level either bores an advanced student or overwhelms a beginner — both slow progress considerably.
• Inconsistent attendance: tafseer study builds cumulatively; students who attend irregularly often need extensive review before new material can be introduced.

How Much Does an Online Tafseer Course Cost?

Pricing varies by session length, frequency per week, and whether classes are one-on-one or group. As a general guide, one-on-one online tafseer tuition (2–3 sessions/week) typically ranges from $50–$120 per month with a qualified Ijazah-holding teacher — significantly less than equivalent in-person private tutoring. Exact, current pricing and package options are listed on our packages and fee page, since rates are updated periodically.

What Affects the Price

• Number of sessions per week
• Session length (30 vs. 60 minutes)
• One-on-one vs. small group format
• Teacher’s credential level (Ijazah-holding scholars vs. general instructors)

Always confirm whether a free trial class is offered before committing to a monthly package — reputable academies allow you to sit in on a live class with the assigned teacher first. You can book a trial or ask pricing questions directly through our contact us page.

Key Benefits of Learning Tafseer With a Structured Online Program

1. Deeper Connection During Prayer

Students who understand the meaning of the surahs they recite in salah consistently report that their prayer feels less mechanical and more reflective, since they are no longer reciting words without knowing what they mean.

2. Practical Guidance for Daily Decisions

Thematic tafseer study — verses grouped around patience, honesty, family, and business ethics — gives students a direct reference point for real decisions, rather than abstract theological knowledge.

3. Stronger Retention for Huffaz

Students who have completed or are working through Quran memorization often find that understanding the meaning of a passage makes it dramatically easier to retain long-term, since memory tied to meaning is more durable than memory tied to sound alone.

4. Confidence to Engage With Questions

Students who study tafseer are better equipped to respond thoughtfully when family, friends, or colleagues ask sincere questions about Islamic beliefs and practices, since they understand the reasoning behind rulings rather than only the rulings themselves.

5. A Foundation for Further Islamic Studies

Tafseer knowledge is a prerequisite for deeper study in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), aqeedah (theology), and dawah (outreach), making it a natural next step for any student serious about long-term Islamic education.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Online Tafseer Course (And Red Flags to Avoid)

The online Islamic education space has grown quickly, and quality varies widely between providers. Use the checklist below before enrolling with any academy.

Green Flags

• The academy names specific tafseer sources (Ibn Kathir, al-Jalalayn, etc.) rather than vague claims
• Teacher credentials (Ijazah, degree, years of experience) are provided in writing on request
• A free trial class is offered before any payment is required
• Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden recurring charges
• Option to choose or switch teachers, including a female instructor, if the current fit isn’t right

Red Flags

• Pressure to pay for a full year upfront before a single trial class
• No named tafseer sources or curriculum outline provided when asked
• Inability or refusal to verify a teacher’s credentials
• Prices that seem drastically below market average with no explanation

A transparent Best Online Quran Academy will never hesitate to answer these questions directly — if a provider is evasive about teacher credentials or curriculum sources, treat that as a serious warning sign rather than a minor inconvenience.

Choosing Between Tafseer, Hifz, and Regular Quran Classes

Prospective students often aren’t sure which program to start with. Here’s a straightforward way to decide:

• Start with regular recitation classes if you cannot yet read Quranic Arabic fluently with correct tajweed — meaning comes after fluent reading, not before.
• Start with tafseer if you already read Quran comfortably and want to understand its meaning and apply it practically.
• Start with Hifz (memorization) if your goal is to memorize the full Quran — many students later add tafseer once memorization is underway, to deepen retention.
• Combine tafseer with existing classes if you’re already enrolled — most academies allow tafseer to be added as a second weekly session alongside recitation or Hifz.

Parents comparing programs for children specifically may also find our guide to the best online Quran classes for kids in the USA useful for evaluating age-appropriate options side by side.

What Students Say

Below is a placeholder testimonial format — replace these with real, permission-granted quotes from your own students before publishing. Genuine, attributable testimonials (first name, city/country, and course studied) are a strong trust signal for both readers and search engines; generic or unverifiable quotes should be avoided.

“[Student first name], [City, Country] — studied [surah/juz] over [X months] — insert real, permission-granted quote here.”

“[Parent first name], parent of a [age]-year-old student — insert real, permission-granted quote here.”

How to Enroll in the Online Quran Tafseer Course

Ready to join our Bestnline Quran tafseer course? Here’s exactly how enrollment works, from your first trial class to your ongoing weekly schedule.

• 1. Book a free trial class through our online registration form.
• 2. Attend the assessment session so the teacher can confirm your level and, if needed, assign a Best Female Quran tutor or male instructor per your preference.
• 3. Receive your personalized curriculum plan and weekly schedule.
• 4. Begin regular sessions, with progress reviewed monthly.

Have questions before booking? Reach our team directly through the contact us page, or browse our blog for more guidance on Quranic studies, or learn more about us and our teaching philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Tafseer and Tarjuma?

Tarjuma is a direct translation of the Quran’s words into another language. Tafseer goes further — it explains the historical context, linguistic nuance, and practical meaning behind those words, which a literal translation alone cannot capture.

Do I need to know Arabic before starting a tafseer course?

No. Reputable courses teach tafseer in English (or the student’s preferred language), introducing Arabic vocabulary gradually as it becomes relevant to a given verse, rather than requiring fluency first.

How long does it take to complete a full tafseer of the Quran?

A structured, consistent course (2–3 sessions per week) typically takes 18–30 months to cover the Quran’s major surahs and themes in meaningful depth. Full, encyclopedic tafseer study can continue for years, similar to any advanced field of study.

Can children study tafseer, or is it only for adults?

Children can begin an age-appropriate introduction to tafseer once they can read Quran with basic tajweed, typically from around age 8. Classes for younger students focus on short surahs and story-based explanations rather than classical scholarly texts. See our Online Quran Classes for kids in USA for age-appropriate program options.

Is online tafseer study as credible as studying in person with a scholar?

Credibility comes from the teacher’s qualifications, not the medium. A live, one-on-one video class with an Ijazah-holding scholar carries the same scholarly weight as an in-person session — the only difference is the delivery method.

What tafseer books are used in a typical course?

Most structured courses draw primarily from Tafseer Ibn Kathir and Tafseer al-Jalalayn for their balance of authenticity and accessibility, cross-referencing Tafseer al-Tabari or al-Qurtubi for deeper or more technical points as needed.

Can I request a female teacher for tafseer classes?

Yes. Most academies, including ours, offer a dedicated Expert female Quran tutor option for female students and young children whose families prefer a female instructor.

How much does an online Quran tafseer course cost per month?

Costs vary by session frequency and format, but one-on-one tuition typically ranges from $50–$120 per month. Current, exact pricing is listed on the packages and fee page.

What equipment do I need for online tafseer classes?

A stable internet connection, a laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a front camera, and Zoom or Skype installed. No specialized software or hardware is required.

Is a free trial class available before enrolling?

Reputable academies offer at least one free trial session so you can evaluate the teacher and format before committing to a paid package. Book one through the online registration form.

What is the difference between tafseer and tajweed?

Tajweed is the science of correct Quranic pronunciation and articulation — how the words are recited. Tafseer is the science of what those words mean. The two are complementary but entirely distinct disciplines, and most students eventually study both.

Can adults with no prior Islamic education background start tafseer study?

Yes. A well-designed curriculum places new adult students in a foundational level regardless of age, covering essential vocabulary and short surahs before progressing to full classical tafseer. Adults new to structured Quranic study may also want to review how to start learning Quran online first.

How is progress measured in an online tafseer course?

Most programs use monthly progress reviews covering the surahs or themes completed, the student’s ability to explain a verse’s meaning in their own words, and readiness to advance to the next curriculum level.

Are online tafseer classes suitable for non-Arabic speakers?

Yes — this is in fact the primary audience for most online tafseer courses. Classes are conducted in English (or another language of instruction) with Arabic vocabulary introduced gradually and explained fully, so fluency in Arabic is not a prerequisite.

What happens if I miss a scheduled class?

Policies vary by provider, so confirm this before enrolling. Most reputable academies allow a reasonable number of reschedules per month rather than forfeiting the session outright — ask about this policy directly via contact us before signing up.

Glossary: Key Tafseer Terms Explained

• Tafseer / Tafsir: the scholarly explanation and interpretation of the Quran’s meaning.
• Tarjuma: a direct translation of the Quran’s words into another language, without the added context tafseer provides.
• Asbab al-Nuzul: the historical reasons and circumstances behind why a specific verse was revealed.
• Ijazah: a formal chain of authorization from a qualified scholar certifying a student’s competence to teach a specific text or subject.
• Ayat al-Ahkam: verses of the Quran that contain specific legal rulings, studied in advanced tafseer levels.
• Ikhtilaf: legitimate scholarly differences of opinion on the interpretation of a verse or ruling.
• Tajweed: the rules governing correct pronunciation and articulation of Quranic Arabic — distinct from, but complementary to, tafseer.
• Hifz: the memorization of the Quran, often paired with tafseer study once memorization is underway.

Conclusion

Studying tafseer is what turns Quran recitation into lived understanding. Whether you’re a parent looking for an age-appropriate program for a child, an adult who has memorized the Quran and wants to finally understand its meaning, or someone starting from the very beginning, a structured Top Rated Online Quran Academy with credentialed teachers makes this level of scholarship accessible from anywhere in the world. The most important step is verifying teacher credentials and starting with a trial class before committing — a legitimate program will always welcome that scrutiny.

Ready to begin? Book your free trial tafseer class today through our online Quran registration form, or explore our full range of Online Quran classes for Adults for recitation, memorization, and tajweed alongside tafseer study.

Tafseer study is not a course with a fixed finish line — even the most senior scholars continue studying and revisiting the Quran’s meaning throughout their lives, discovering new layers of understanding with each pass. What a structured course provides is not an endpoint, but a reliable, well-sequenced starting framework, guided by someone qualified to correct misunderstandings early, so that a lifetime of independent reflection on the Quran is built on a sound foundation rather than guesswork.

About the Author & Editorial Standards

This article was written by the Academics content team and reviewed for religious and factual accuracy by a qualified Islamic studies instructor prior to publishing. [Insert reviewer’s real full name, Ijazah/degree details, and years of teaching experience here.] All classical tafseer sources referenced (Ibn Kathir, al-Jalalayn, al-Tabari, al-Qurtubi) are named explicitly so readers can independently verify claims. This page is updated periodically to reflect current curriculum and pricing.

Sources & Further Reading: Tafseer Ibn Kathir (Dar-us-Salam translation), Tafseer al-Jalalayn (Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute translation), and standard Islamic studies curricula referenced by accredited Dar al-Uloom institutions. This article does not reproduce text from any copyrighted translation; all summaries are original.