2- The exegete explains the verse with the help of other relevant verses...

2- The exegete explains the verse with the help of other relevant verses, meditating on them together -and meditation has been forcefully urged upon by the Quran itself- and identifies the individual person or thing by its particulars and attributes mentioned in the verse. No doubt this is the only correct method of exegesis. Allah has said: “… and We have revealed the Book to you explaining clearly everything [1] .” Is it possible for such a book not to explain itself?

Also, He has described the Quran in these words: “… a guidance for mankind and clear evidence of guidance and discrimination (between wrong) [2] “ . He has also said: “…and We have sent down to you a manifest light [3] . “ The Quran is, accordingly, guidance, evidence, discrimination between right and wrong, and a manifest light for the people to guide them aright and help them in all their needs.

Is it imaginable that it would not guide them aright in its own matter, while it is their most important need? Again, Allah says: “And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them onto Our ways [4] .” Which striving is greater than the endeavour to understand His Book? And which way is more straight than the Quran? Verses of this meaning are very numerous, and we shall discuss them in detail at the beginning of the third chapter, The Family of ‘Imran.

Allah taught the Quran to His Prophet and appointed him as the teacher of the Book: “The Faithful Spirit has descended with it upon your heart that you may be of the warners, in plain Arabic language [5] .” “…and We have revealed to you the Reminder that you may make clear to men what has been revealed to them, and that haply they may reflect [6] .” “An Apostle … who recites to them His communications and purifies them, and teaches them the Book and the Wisdom [7] .” And the Prophet appointed his progeny to carry on this work after him.

It is clear from his unanimously accepted tradition: I am leaving behind among you two precious things; as long as you hold fast to them you will never go astray after me: The Book of Allah and my progeny, my family members; and these two shall never separate from each other until they reach me (on) the reservoir.

And Allah has confirmed, in the following two verses, this declaration of the Prophet that his progeny had the real knowledge of the Book: “Allah only desires to keep away the uncleanliness from you, O people of the House!