ভূমিকা

Those in whose hearts is doubt and divergence follow the ambiguities in it seeking discord and to interpret them. However, no one knows their interpretation save Allah and those who are steadfast in gaining knowledge. They say we believe in it, all is from our Lord. Yet none remember save those possessed of minds.” [^2] The meaning of these words Morphologically, the word muhkam (clear) comes from the root hakama which means an object that nothing can penetrate, take apart, and destroy.

Thus, words such as ahkām, tahkīm, hūkm (meaning judgment), hikmah (meaning wisdom), and hikmah (meaning harnessing a horse) all have the meaning of firmness and solidity. Mutashābih (ambiguous) means things that are similar to each other in some qualities and aspects. Ta’wīl (interpretation) means the referral and return of one thing to another. The terms muhkam and mutashābih according to the Qur’an In some verses the whole Qur’an is identified as muhkam[^3] and in others mutashābih[^4].

Also, in verse seven of Surat Āl ‘Imrān some of the Qur’an is considered muhkam and the rest mutashābih. This same verse describes muhkam verses as “umm al-kitāb” (Mother of the Book).

It must be noted that the muhkam-ness or solidity of the entire Qur’an existed before the Book was revealed[^5] and the mutashābih-ness or similarity of the entire Book means that all its verses have a single style—they all possess a pleasant order and solid form, describe truths in a uniform manner, and guide people towards Truth. Thus, here muhkam and mutashābih possess meanings different from what is usual in the whole of the Qur’an.