At present there are many ideas for reforming the interpretation of the Qur'an which doubt and set aside the interpretation of the salaf, even though the salaf - shahabah, tabiin, and tabiut tabiin - are the best generation of this ummah. The classical interpretation method which emphasizes quoting history is considered rigid and fails to answer the problems of the people who are increasingly complex. This opinion is of course very wrong. The interpretation of the salaf should be the best and preferred interpretation because they are the best generation. The best interpretation can be seen from the interpretation characteristics of each generation. This is what will be discussed in this article. In addition, this article also discusses the methods and figures of interpretation of each generation. The research method used is literature research by collecting the required data through reference sources such as books, journals, scientific articles, and so on. The results of the study show that the interpretation of the salaf is dominated by the interpretation of bil ma'tsur through talaqqi history, besides that there is also an interpretation with ijtihad and the understanding of the mufasir. This makes the interpretation of the salaf very appropriate to be used as the main reference in interpreting the Qur'an. It is imperative for Muslims to pay great attention to the interpretation of the Salaf and put it above all others.