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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Philosophy of Islamic Laws Question 54: Interpretation of Qur’an Based On Personal Views Question: It is mentioned in many traditions that no one has the right to interpret the Qur’an according to one's personal views and opinion. And if anyone does it, his place is Hell. What is the meaning of interpreting according to one's personal views?

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

One who interprets the Qur’an 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 Tafseer Bir Rayy and we shall explain each of them briefly.

If the commentators 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 ayat is enigmatic from the aspect of its meaning and it becomes necessary to remove its doubt and ambiguity with the help of other ayats 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 ayat without any testimony and method, on the basis of his beliefs and instead of making the Holy Qur’an 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.[^4] Examples of this type of Tafseer Bir Rayy are seen in the books of those who follow the Motazela, Ashariah, Batiniyyah and Sufis. When a commentator has fully accepted the views of the Motazela or Ashariah school of thought regarding the attributes and actions of Allah and the people, when he comes to those ayats regarding whom it is possible to interpret them according to his personal belief.