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). [^3] 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 Ummah 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 ).[^4] 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 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 Allah’s 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 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) “But no!

by your Lord! They do not believe (in reality) until they make you a judge of that which has become a matter of disagreement among them, and then do not find any straitness in their hearts as to what you have decided and submit with entire submission” (Qur’an, 4:65) “Most surely it is the Word of an honored messenger. The processor of strength, having an honorable place with the Lord of the Dominion. One (to be) obeyed and faithful in trust.