No one...

No one, whatever high position he has, is to follow other than their path: And whoever acts hostilely to the Messenger after that guidance has become manifest to him, and follows other than the way of the believers, We will turn him to that to which he has (himself) turned and make him enter hell. Qur'an, 4:115[2] No one, when interpreting a Qur'anic verse or a prophetic tradition, is to deviate from the apparent meaning that comes to mind except if there is a clear evidence.

If there is a clear evidence, one has to interpret a verse or a tradition according to that evidence; otherwise he will be deviate and heretic. This has been agreed upon by all the Muslim nation, the umma of Muhammad (s) with all its sects. They have followed the apparent meanings of the Qur'an and the Sunna besides their clear texts (nusoos).[3] They have done like the all peoples of the different languages, who interpret their wordings with the apparent meanings that come to mind.

They do not interpret them according to their tendencies and [1] The two ropes or the two weighty things refer to the Qur'an and the Prophets progeny. [2] Ibn Mardwayh mentioned when interpreting this verse: acts hostilely to the messenger and guidance mentioned in the verse concern Ali (s) and what he faces from people. Al-Ayyashi in his Tafseer mentioned the same. The true traditions narrated from Ahlul Bayt (s) have confirmed that the way of the believers is the way of Ahlul Bayt (s).

[3] Plural form of nass. advantages whether personal or general. Yes! I have found, regretfully, some of the rulers and notables of those past ages preferring their ijtihad, due to their advantages, to the apparent meanings of the Qur'an and the Sunna and their clear texts. They have interpreted those texts according to their tendencies audaciously and led people to contradict them (the Qur'an and the Sunna) willingly or unwillingly with all their powers. This cannot be excused in any case.

We are Allahs and to Him we shall surely return! Allah has said: and whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it, and from whatever he forbids you, keep back, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is severe in retributing (evil).

Qur'an, 59:7 and: And it behooves not a believing man and a believing woman that they should have any choice in their matter when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he surely strays off a manifest straying. Qur'an, 33:36 and But no!