At that time...

At that time, Muslims had no longer obtained knowledge, sciences and thought, worth mentioning, except those found in the Holy Qur'an and the traditions (sunnah) of the Prophet (s.a.w.); which, these two, actually form the endless, ideological fountain of Islam, and the base, as well as the principle which Islamic knowledge and thought have been deduced and, furthermore, through a movement of thinking, persistence and innovation, besides; they are the basis of the stimulating and civilized enlightenment of all Muslims and human beings.

The human race still owes its scientific development to Islam and its message. We can, also, say that the beginnings of Islamic ideology played a major role in producing the field of interpretation science. During the era of Allah's Prophet (s.a.w.), Muslims had turned to the prophet for gaining an understanding of the Holy Qur'an and acquiring a knowledge about the contents of its verses. Of course, that prophetic grant is a part of the traditions and a base for those who contemplate.

In view of the fact that the movement of ideology and society has started developing due to the inspiration of the message, itself, the beginning of that movement was within the range of the Holy Qur'an which resulted in understanding and deducing its meanings, as well as, expressing its contents. So, on these grounds, the first signs of interpretation science and discrepancy in understanding and the purpose of the Holy Qur'an, as well as its descent causes, were established.

After the demise of Allah's Prophet (s.a.w.) Muslims had, mostly, consulted with his prominent companions - who possessed a great deal of scientific knowledge - to understand the Qur'an. Imam Ali Ibn Abi-Talib (upon whom be peace) was the first among them who had completely realized its significance.

In fact, he was the leader of all interpreters and a real guide to those who wished to know; for he had been described by Allah's Prophet (s.a.w.) as such when he said, "I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate; so, he who intends to enter the city should come through its gate."(1) At that time, also, were Abdullah Ibn-Abbas, Abdullah Ibn-Mas`oud, Ubay Ibn-Ka`ab, Abdullah Ibn Omar and others similar to them from the same prophet's generation of followers.