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The Principles of Interpretation of the Quran - Al-Shia The Scientific and Cultural Website of Shia belief The Principles of Interpretation of the Quran 2025-03-01 1881 Views Tafsir , Principles of Tafsir , Quranic Exegesis Introduction From the early days of Islam, scholars and theologians have debated the extent to which the Quran’s apparent meaning should be taken at face value or subjected to deeper interpretation.

Sunni scholars, in some cases, adopted a method of ta’wīl that allowed them to ascribe meanings contrary to the literal text when their established doctrinal positions necessitated it. This approach led to exegetical disagreements, where different schools would reinterpret each other’s evidence to align with their theological inclinations.

In contrast, Shi’a scholars emphasize that the Holy Quran is neither enigmatic nor self-contradictory; rather, it conveys profound truths in a manner comprehensible to purified souls. This study delves into the Quranic foundation of ta’wīl , its proper application, and its connection to divine purification, ultimately arguing that the true knowledge of the Quran resides with those whom Allah has chosen and purified.

Contents Introduction The Concept of Ta’wīl References The Concept of Ta’wīl At the beginning of Islam, it was commonly believed by some Sunnis that if there was sufficient reason, one could ignore the outward meaning of the Quran verses and ascribe to them a contrary meaning. Usually, the meaning that opposed the outward, literal meaning was called ta’wil, and what is called” ta’wil of the Quran” in Sunni Islam is usually understood in this sense.

In the literary works of Sunni scholars, as well as in the controversies that have been recorded as taking place between different schools, one often observes that if a particular point of doctrine (that has been established through the consensus of the scholars of a school or through some other means) is opposed to the outward meaning of a verse of the Quran, that verse is interpreted by ta’wil to have a meaning contrary to its apparent meaning.

Sometimes, two contending sides support two opposing views and present Quranic verses as proof of their contentions. Each side interprets the verses presented by the other side through ta’wil. This method has also penetrated more or less into Shi’ism and can be seen in some Shi’ite theological works.