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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Logic For Islamic Rules Interpretation of Quran Based On Personal Views Question: It is mentioned in many traditions that no one has the right to interpret the Quran according to ones personal views and opinion. And if anyone does it, his place is hell. What is the meaning of interpreting according to ones personal views?

Answer: Muslim scholars and commentator of Quran are unanimous on the view that no one has the right to interpret the verses of Quran according to ones personal view and opinion. Many traditions are narrated in this regard. We present below a few examples of the same: The Holy Prophet (a.s.) said: One who interprets the Quran according to personal opinion[1] he makes his place in fire (Hell).

One who interprets the Quran according to his view,[2] even though it may be right, yet he has committed a sin.[3] There are some of the traditions that are related on the topic. Now we should see what does interpretation on personal view mean. The great commentators have given three meanings of Al- [1] These traditions are quoted from the Prophet (s.a.) in many scholarly books. [2] Tafseer Jameul Ahkaam of Qurtubi, Vol 1, p. 32 and Majmaul Bayan, Vol 1, p. 9 ** [3]** Jameul Bayan Vol. 3, p.

32 Tafseer bir-Ray (interpretation based on personal views) and we shall explain each of them briefly.

If the commentator forms an opinion before conducting considerable research it becomes a cause that the word which has two meanings and there is no indication which meaning should be taken or an verse is enigmatic from the aspect of its meaning and it becomes necessary to remove its doubt and ambiguity with the help of other verses but the commentator explains it in a way which is in conformity with his preconceived notions.

In other words to justify the established beliefs and preconceived notions become the cause that one does the Tafseer of a particular verse without any testimony and method, on the basis of his beliefs and instead of making the Holy Quran his guide and leader, he moulds it according to his own views.

Also he were not having these views previously, he would never have interpreted in this way.[1] Examples of this type of Al-Tafseer bir-Ray is seen in the books of those who follow the Mu'tazilah, Ashariah, Batiniyyah and Sufis.