The Universal Import of the Qur'an
The Qur'an is not directed towards any one particular nation, such as
the Arabs, or to a particular sect of Muslims, but to non-Islamic societies
as well as the Muslim nation as a whole. There are numerous references
to non-believers and idol- worshippers, to the People of the Book (namely,
the Jews, or the Tribe of Israel, and the Christians), exhorting each one
to strive towards a true understanding of the Qur'an and of Islam.
The Qur'an calls each group to Islam by providing proofs and never stipulates
that they be of Arab stock. Referring to idol-worshippers, God says, "if
they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due then they are your
brothers in religion " [IX:11].
Likewise, God talks about the People of the Book, (Jews, Christians
and we include here the Zoroastrians), without referring to them as Arabs:
Say
O People of the Book come to an agreement between us and you: that we shall
worship none but God and that we shall ascribe no partners to Him and that
none of us shall take others for lords beside God [III:64].
It is true that before Islam spread beyond the Arabian peninsula, Qur'anic
injunctions were obviously directed to- wards the Arab nation. From the
sixth year after the hijrah (the migration of the Prophet from Mecca to
Medina), when the din of Islam was being propagated beyond the peninsula,
there are references which demonstrate that the Qur'an is addressing itself
to mankind in general; nor example, in VI:19, "this Qur'an has been revealed
to me that I may warn you and whomever it may reach," and in LXVIII:52
God says, "it is nothing else but a reminder to the worlds."
We read too in LXXIV:3936, "In truth this is one of the greatest
signs, being a warning unto men. "
History has amply demonstrated that Islam has been embraced by a number
of leading members of other religions, including the idol-worshippers of
Mecca, Jews, Christians and by people from diverse communities, such as
Salman of Persia, Suhayb from the Roman people, and Bilal of Ethiopia.
The Perfection of the Qur'an
The Qur'an shows man the way to a realization of his goal on earth;
it describes this path in the most complete terms. It is a way of correctly
viewing the reality of things; a vision - personal, social and cosmic-
based on a correct manner of behaviour and a precise method of interaction
between men.
In XLVI:30 we read that the Qur'an "guides to the truth and a
right road, " meaning the road of right belief and correct action.
On another occasion, mentioning the Torah and the New Testament, God
says, "We have revealed this Book to you with the Truth, confirming
whatever Book was before it, and We keep watch over it" [V:48].
The Qur'an thus affirms the truth of the ways of guidance taught by
the earlier prophets. In chapter XLII:13, "He has ordained for you
that religion which He commended to Noah and that which We reveal to you
(Muhammad) and that We commended to Abraham, Moses and Jesus, "
and in chapter XVI:89, "And We revealed the book to you as an exposition
of all things."
Thus we understand from these verses that the Qur'an not only encompasses
the meanings and teachings of all divine books revealed before it, but
also adds to and completes them. Every thing which a man needs, both in
terms of his spiritual and his social life, is contained and explained
in the Qur'an.
The Eternal Quality of the Qur'an
The perfection and completeness of the Qur'an prove that its validity
is not restricted to a particular time or place, since anything perfect
is in need of nothing to complete it.
In chapter LXXXVI:13-14 God confirms that the Qur'an is "a conclusive
word" and not a mere "pleasantry." It contains the
purest of teachings concerning belief in life-after-death, together with
an exposition of the realities of existence, while, at the same time, encompassing
the fundamentals of correct human behaviour.
Since laws governing transactions between men are directly linked to
their beliefs, such a book can obviously not be annulled or changed with
the passage of time. As He says in XVII:105, "We have revealed the
Qur'an with Truth and it has descended with the Truth," meaning
that the revelations and their ongoing validity are inseparable from the
Truth.
Thus in X:32, "After the Truth what is there except error, "
and in XLI:41-42, "In truth it is an unpenetrable book, error may
not enter in it from before it or behind it. "
In other words the Qur'an repulses, by its own perfection and completeness,
any attempt to alter it; and neither now nor later can it be annulled or
superseded. Many studies have been made of the permanence of the validity
of the laws given in the Qur'an.
The reader is advised to consult them if he requires additional knowledge
of the subject; to pursue the matter here, (namely, the position of the
Qur'an in the lives of Muslims and the manner in which it demonstrates
this), would be outside the scope of this book.
The Qur'an as a Self-Contained Proof
The Qur'an, being composed of words and meanings like any other book,
explains itself. It does not remain silent when the situation of the text
demands proof. Moreover, there is no reason to believe that Qur'anic terms
mean anything other than the actual words being used. This means that every
man, possessing a certain knowledge of the Arabic language, may clearly
understand the meaning of the Qur'an just as he understands any other words
written in Arabic.
There are many verses which are directed towards a specific group, such
as the Tribe of Israel, or the Believers, or the non-believers and, sometimes,
man in general; (they are addressed in phrases such as "O you who
disbelieve" or "O people of the Book" or "O
tribe of Israel " or "O Mankind ") The Qur'an discourses
with them, offering them proof of its validity or challenging them to produce
a book similar to it if they doubt it to be the Word of God.
Obviously it makes no sense to address people in terms which they do
not understand or to demand that they produce something similar to that
which has no meaning for them. In chapter XLVII-24 we read, "Why
do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, " implying that if it was
from other than God, people would have found in it many inconsistencies.
It is clearly indicated in the Qur'an that verses which have a subtlety
or particularity of meaning demand that the reader reflect upon them to
remove any seeming differences of interpretation or incongruities that
may appear at first inspection.
It also follows that if the verses themselves contained no apparent
meaning, there would be no point in reflecting upon them in order to clarify
the apparent problem of their interpretation. There are no indications
from other sources, (such as the traditions of the Prophet), that demand
a rejection of the outwardly manifest meaning of the Qur'an.
Some have argued that one should only refer to the commentaries of the
Prophet in elucidating the meanings of the Qur'an. This argument is unacceptable,
however, since the basis of the Prophet's commentary and of the Imams of
his family must be sought for in the Qur'an.
It is difficult to imagine that the validity of the Qur'an is dependent
on the commentaries of the Prophet or the Imams of his family. Rather,
affirmation of prophecy and imamate must be contained in the Qur'an, which
itself is the authentic proof and document of prophecy. This does not,
however, contradict the fact that the Prophet and the Imams of his family
were responsible for clarifying those details of the shari'ah law (Divinely
revealed law) which were not apparent from the actual text of the Qur'an.
They were, likewise, entrusted with teaching the knowledge contained
in the Book, as seen in the following verse: And We have revealed
to you the Remembrance so that you may explain to mankind that which has
been revealed for them [XVI:44].
A similar reflection occurs in chapter LIX:7 where, in reference to
the code of practice and law brought by the Prophet to mankind, it states,
"And take whatever the messenger gives you. And abstain from whatever
he forbids."
In chapter IV:64 it says, "We sent no messenger saw that he should
be obeyed by God's leave" and, again, in chapter LXII:2, "He
it is who has sent among the unlettered ones a messenger of their own,
to recite to them His revelations and to make them grow and to teach them
the Book and Wisdom. " According to these verses, the Prophet is
the appointed explainer of the details of the shari'ah law as well as the
teacher of the Qur'an.
Moreover, according to the tradition known as thaqalayn, which was authenticated
by an uninterrupted chain of narrators, the Prophet has appointed the Imams
of his own family as his successors. This is not to deny that others also,
by correctly applying the learnings of sincere teachers, may understand
the meaning of the Qur'an.
The Inner and Outer Dimensions of the Qur'an
In chapter IV:36 God says, "And serve God and ascribe nothing
as a partner to Him. " The verse prohibits pre-Islamic Arabs from
their worship of idols, just as chapter XXII:30 urges them to "shun
the filth of idols, and shun lying speech." On reflection it becomes
clear that an idol may exist in any form; therefore, idol-worship is forbidden
because it involves submission to an entity other than God.
In chapter XXXVI:60 God treats the devil as an idol when He says, "Did
I did not charge you, O you sons of Adam, that you do not worship the devil.
"
It also becomes clear that another form of idol-worship is submission to
one's desires or to the will of others, over and above the will of God;
this is indicated in XLV:23 which refers to "him who makes his desire
his God. "
Thus it becomes apparent that one should turn to none other for help
than God Himself and not forget Him in any circumstances, since to do otherwise
would be to direct one's attention away from God. To submit to others is
to belittle Him and this is the very essence of idol-worship. Thus, in
chapter VII:179 God says of those who refused to worship Him, "Already
We have urged into hell many of the jinn and humankind, ... These are the
neglectful. " The verse, "ascribe nothing to Him, " clearly forbids
worships of idols; that is to say, man may not, without God's permission,
submit himself to others including his own desires, since any such submission
would render him neglectful of God.
In this way, the simple, apparent text of the verse unfolds multiple
meanings and exemplifies a feature to be found throughout the Qur'an. Thus
the saying of the Prophet, (related in the books of hadith and commentary),
become clear: In truth the Qur'an possesses an inner and outer, and
the inner contains Seven dimensions.
The Wisdom Contained in the Two Facets of the Qur'an: The Inner and
the Outer
Man's primary life, namely, the temporal life of this world, is as a
bubble on the immense sea of the material; and since all his transactions
concern the material, he is throughout his life, at the mercy of the moving
waves. All his senses are occupied with the material and his thoughts influenced
by sensory information. Eating, drinking, standing, speaking, listening,
like all other human actions, take place in the sphere of the material
and not in the sphere of thought.
Moreover, in reflecting upon such concepts as love, enmity, ambition
and nobility, one comes to better understand them by translating them into
language derived from the senses or from actual material objects; for example,
the magnetic attraction of lovers, a burning ambition, or a man's being
a mine of wisdom.
Capacity to comprehend the world of meaning, which is vaster than that
of the material, varies from man to man. For one person it may be almost
impossible to imagine the world of meanings; another may perceive it only
in the most superficial terms and, yet another, may comprehend with ease
the most profound of spiritual concepts.
One may say that the greater a man's capacity to under- stand meanings,
the lesser he is attached to the world of the material and its alluring,
deceiving appearance. By his very nature, each person possesses a potential
for understanding meanings and, provided that he does not deny this capacity,
it may be cultivated and increased further.
It is not a simple matter to reduce meaning from one level of understanding
to another without losing its sense. This is particularly true for meanings
possessing great subtlety which cannot be transmitted, especially to ordinary
people, without adequate explanation. As one example, we may mention the
Hindu religion: anyone reflecting deeply upon the vedic scriptures of India
and studying the different aspects of its message will ultimately see that
its basic aim is the worship of one God.
Unfortunately this aim is explained in such a complicated manner that
the concept of oneness reaches the minds of ordinary people in the form
of idol-worship and the recognition of many gods. To avoid such problems,
it becomes necessary to communicate meanings hidden beyond the material
world in a language which is rooted in the material and readily comprehensible
world.
Indeed some religions deprive their adherents of rights accorded to
them by the religion itself: women, for example, in Hinduism; Jews and
Christians who, in general, are denied access to knowledge of their holy
books. Islam does not deprive anyone of their rights in the din, and both
man and woman, scholar and layman, black and white are equal in being accorded
access to their religion.
God affirms this in chapter III:195, "Indeed I do not allow the
work of any worker, male or female, to be lost," and, again, in
chapter XLIX: 13, "O mankind! Truly we have created you male and
female and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another.
Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of God is the best in conduct."
In this manner the Qur'an addresses its teachings to mankind at large
and affirms that every man may increase himself in knowledge and, thereby,
perfect his own behaviour.
In fact, the Qur'an addresses its teachings specifically to the world
of man. Since, as mentioned earlier, each man has a different capacity
of understanding and since the expounding of subtle knowledge is not without
danger of misinterpretation, the Qur'an directs its teachings primarily
at the level of the common man.
In this manner, the subtlest of meanings can be explained and multiple
meanings and ideas expressed, to the ordinary person, by co-relating them
to concrete sensory meanings; meaning, therefore, is always inherent in
the letter of the words.
The Qur'an reveals itself in a way suitable {or different levels of
comprehension so that each benefits according to his own capacity. In chapter
XLIII:34 God emphazises this idea: Truly We have appointed it a lecture
in Arabic so that you may perhaps understand and indeed in the source of
the Book, which We possess, it is sublime, decisive.
God describes the different capacities of man's comprehension in the
following metaphor in chapter XIII:17 He sends down water from the sky,
so that valleys flow according to their measure;
and the Prophet, in a famous tradition says: "We prophets talk to
the people according to the capacity of their intellects."
Another result of the multiple meanings within the Qur'an is that the
verses take on a significance beyond their immediate text. Certain verses
contain metaphors which indicate divine gnosis far beyond the common man's
understanding but which, nevertheless, become comprehensible through their
metaphorical form.
God says in chapter XVII:89, "And indeed We have displayed for
mankind in this Qur'an all kind of similitudes, but most of mankind refuse
everything except disbelief. " And again in chapter XXIX:43 God
talks of metaphors as a means of expression, "As for these similitudes,
We coin them for mankind, but none will grasp their meanings except the
wise."
Consequently, we must conclude that all Qur'anic teachings which deal
with subtle profound knowledge, are in the form of similitudes.
The Two Kinds of Qur'anic Verses: The Explicit and the Implicit
In chapter XI:I God says of the Qur'an, "This is a book whose
meanings are secure. " From this we may draw the meaning to read
"whose meanings are perfected, expanded, firm and strong."
In chapter XXXIX:23, it reads, God has revealed the fairest of statements
(consistent with and in relation to each other) and arranged in pairs (according
to meaning) which cause the flesh of those who fear their Lord to creep.
In chapter III:7 He says, "He it is who has revealed to you the
Book in which are clear revelations, (that is, verses whose meaning is
immediately clear and which Muslims use for guidance). They are the substance
of the Book and others which are allegorical. But those in whose heart
is doubt indeed follow the allegorical seeking dissension by seeking to
explain it. None knowest its explanation except God and those who are of
sound instruction say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord.
The first of the verses describes those sections of the Qur'an whose
meaning is explicit, clear and unambiguous, and safe from misinterpretation.
The second verse refers to all those verses whose meanings are implicit,
and which are considered allegorical. It then proceeds to indicate that
both types of verses, (the explicit, or clear and the implicit, or allegorical),
share certain common qualities: beauty and sweetness of language, and a
miraculous power of expression which are present in the entire Qur'an.
The third verse under consideration divides the Qur'an into two parts:
the explicit and the implicit, the clear and the allegorical, or, in Qur'anic
terms, the muhkam and the mustashabih.
The muhkam and those verses which are explicit, clear and immediate
in their message and, therefore, incapable of being misinterpreted; the
mutashabih
verses are not of this nature. It is the duty of every firm believer to
believe in and act according to the verses which are mahkam.
It is also his duty to believe in the verses which are mutashabih,
but he must abstain from acting upon them; this injunction is based on
the premise that only those whose heart is corrupt and whose belief is
false follow the implicit, mutashibih, verses, fabricating interpretations
and,
thereby, deceiving common people.
The meanings of the Explicit and the Implicit Verses, According to
the Commentators and Scholars
There is much difference of opinion amongst the Islamic scholars concerning
the meaning of explicit and implicit verses, with almost twenty different
views on the matter. We can, however, conclude from the views of commentators,
ranging from the time of the Prophet to the present day, that the explicit
verses are clear and unambiguous, and that one is obliged to believe in
and act according to them.
The implicit verses, on the other hand, are those which outwardly seem
to express a meaning, but which contain a further truer meaning whose interpretation
is known only to God; man has no access to it. However, he is enjoined
to believe in them but to avoid acting upon them.
This view is held amongst the Sunni scholars. It is also maintained
by the Shi'ite scholars except they believe that the Prophet and the Imams
of his family also understood the hidden meanings. They also maintain that
the ordinary man must seek knowledge of the implicit verses from God, the
Prophet and the Imams.
This view, although held by most commentators, is in several aspects
not in accord with the text of the verse beginning, He it is who
has revealed to you the Book in which are explicit verses (whose meanings
are immediately clear) ...
The Method of Guidance and Explanation used in the Rest of the Qur'an
This we may attribute, firstly, to the fact that there is no verse whose
meaning is totally obscure since the Qur'an describes itself as a light,
as a guidance and as an explanation. Thus it is not befitting that there
be verses which fail to reveal their meaning, or to illuminate the Qur'an
as a whole.
We should examine again the verse, Will they not ponder on the
Qur'an. If it had been from other than God they would have found much inconsistency
in it [IV:82].
Thus reflection on the Qur'an would remove all kinds of seeming inconsistencies
making it unacceptable to say, as do most of the scholars, that the implicit
verses cannot be totally understood and that apparent inconsistencies cannot
be resolved.
Other scholars say that what is meant by the implicit verses are the
letters found at the beginning of certain chapters.
(These are known as the muqatta'ah-letters, like Alif, Lam, Mim, Alif,
Lam Ra', Ha, Mim, whose real meaning is unknown).
We must, how ever remember that the implicit verses are so-called when
read in relation to the explicit verses. This denotes that, accompanying
the hidden meaning of the implicit, there is a surface (or literal) meaning
whereby the real and the apparent meanings come together in intricate relationship
with one another.
It should be understood that the letters at the opening of certain chapters
do not have any literal meaning. It seems that a group of misguided men
use the implicit verses to mislead people, but never in Islam has one heard
of anyone trying to use the muqatta'ah-letters to do so.
Some commentators say that the meaning of the word mutashabih,
(in the verse), refers to the famous story of the Jews who wanted to find
an indication of the duration of Islam within the order of the letters,
but the Prophet used to read the letters one after the other and so confuse
their calculations.
This view is also without substance since, even if the story is true,
it is not of sufficient impact nor conviction to be considered as an interpretation
of the implicit verses. Whatever the Jews talked, it contained no malice
because, even if the religion, din, of Islam was for a limited period of
time (and, thus, subject to abrogation), their remarks would in no way
be a criticism of the purity and reality of Islam considering that all
religions revealed by God prior to Islam were for a specific period and
open to abrogation.
Secondly, this view implies that the word ta'wil (which may be
translated as "interpretation") in the verse refers to a meaning other
than the apparent literal meaning and that it is used only as a reference
to the implicit verses. This is incorrect, as we shall see in a later chapter
dealing with exegesis ta'wil and revelation, tanzil (the actual
text or letter of the verse) how exegesis in Qur'anic terminology does
not refer to one meaning but to several, encompassing such terms as realization,
fulfilment, interpretation and explanation.
We shall also discuss how all Qur'anic verses have a specific interpretation,
ta'wil
and not just their explicit and implicit definitions. On examination, the
words of the explicit verses (ayat muhkamah), are seen to describe the
phrase "They are the source of the Book," meaning that the explicit verses
include the most important subjects of the Book, and the theme of the rest
of the verses is secondary and dependent upon them.
This implies that the real point intended to be conveyed by the implicit
verses refers back to the explicit verses. Thus, the meanings of the implicit
are illuminated by referring back to the source (or explicit) verses.
Thus we are left with no verses which have no obvious indication as
to their true meaning; they are either immediately clear by virtue of their
being in the class of explicit verses or, in the case of the implicit,
made clear by the other explicit verses. As for the muqatta'ah-letters
at the beginning of the chapters, they do not have any apparent meaning
since they are not words in the normal sense and possess no meaning comprehensible
to man; thus, they are outside of the classification of explicit and the
implicit.
Again, we would refer the reader to an examination of the following
verse in order to emphasize the truth of our view: And so why do
they not reflect upon the Qur'an or are there locks upon their hearts.
" And, likewise, the verse, "and why do they not reflect upon the Qur'an,
if it were from other than God they would have found much inconsistency
in it."
The Commentary of the Imams of the Prophet's Family concerning the
Explicit and the Implicit Verses
It is made clear from the different commentaries of the Imams that there
is always a way to discover the real meaning and aim of the implicit verses.
Each verse, even if its meaning is not apparent, can be explained by reference
to other verses.
Thus the real meaning of the implicit verses can be found in relation
to the explicit verses.
For instance, the verse "The Beneficent, One who is established
on the throne," [XX:5] and again the verse, "And your Lord
came," [LXXXIX:22] appear to ascribe bodily characteristics to
God, but when compared with the verse, "Nothing is as His likeness,"
[XLII:11] it becomes clear that the "sitting" on the throne
or the "coming" of God has a meaning other than a physical
one. The Prophet, describing the Qur'an, says: In truth the Qur'an was
not revealed so that one part may contradict the other but rather was revealed
so that one part may verify the other. So that what you understand of it
then act accordingly and that which is unclear for you then simply believe
in it.
The Commander of the Faithful, 'Ali, said that one part of the Qur'an
bears witness to another and one part clarifies the other. The sixth Imam
said the explicit verse is that which one acts in accordance with, and
the implicit is that which is unclear only for the man who is ignorant
of its real meaning.
From these narrations, we may conclude that the question of explicit
and implicit is relative; it is possible that a verse may seem explicit
to one person and implicit to another. It is said of the eighth Imam that
he considered, "the person who refers to the implicit mutashabih,
verses in the Qur'an to the corresponding clarifiying explicit verses",
as having "found guidance to the right path."
He is also reported to have said that, In truth in our traditions
are recorded implicit verses like the explicit of the Qur'an, so refer
the implicit to its corresponding explicit verse. or tradition, and do
not follow the implicit and go astray.
Thus it is clear from the traditions and, in particular, the last tradition,
that the implicit verse is one which does not contain a clear meaning without
reference to the explicit verse, and not that there exists no means to
understand it.
The Qur'an Possesses Revelation and Exegesis
We shall discuss the word, exegesis, ta'wil, in relation to three
Qur'anic verses. Firstly, in the verses concerning the implicit mutashabih
and the explicit verses: But those in whose hearts is doubt pursue,
in truth, that which is allegorical talking dissension by seeking to explain
it. None knows its explanation except God. [III:7]
Secondly, the verses, In truth we have brought them a scripture
which we expound with knowledge, a guidance and a mercy for a people who
believe. Do they await anything but the fulfilment of it.
(Here the word ta'wil is used connoting the appearance or clarification
of meaning). On the day when the fulfilment of it comes, those who
are forgetful of it will say: the messenger of our Lord brought the truth
[VII:52-53].
Thirdly, the verse, And this Qur'an is not such as could ever
be invented ... but they denied that, the knowledge of which they could
not encompass and the interpretation (ta'wil) of which had not yet come
to them. Even so it was that those before them deny. Then see what was
the consequence in the wrongdoers. [X:37-39].
In conclusion, we should note that the word exegesis ta'wil comes
from the word awl, meaning a return. As such, ta'wil indicates that
particular meaning towards which the verse is directed. The meaning of
revelation tanzil, as opposed to ta'wil, is clear or according to
the obvious meaning of the words as they were revealed.
The Meaning of Exegesis, According to the Commentators and Scholars
There is considerable disgreement as to the meaning of exegesis, ta'wil,
and it is possible to count more than ten different views. There are, however,
two views which have gained general acceptance. The first is that of the
early generation of scholars who used the word exegesis, ta'wil,
as a synonyn for commentary, or tafsir.
According to this view, all Qur'anic verses are open to ta'wil
although according to the verse, "nobody knows its interpretation
(ta'wil) except God," it is the implicit verses whose interpretation
(ta'wil) is known only to God. For this reason, a number of the
early scholars said that the implicit verses are those with muqatta'ah-letters
at the beginning of the chapter since they are the only verses in the Qur'an
whose meaning is not known to everyone.
This interpretation has been demonstrated in the previous section as
being incorrect, a view which is shared by certain of the late scholars.
They argued that since there is a way of finding out the meaning of any
verse, particularly since the muqattah-letters are obviously not in the
same classification as the implicit verses then the distinction between
the two (muqatta'ah and implicit, mutashabih) is clear.
Secondly, the view of the later scholars is that exegesis refers to
the meaning of a verse beyond its literal meaning and that not all verses
have exegesis; rather only the implicit, whose ultimate meaning is known
only to God. The verses in question here are those which refer to the human
qualities of coming, going, sitting, satisfaction, anger and sorrow apparently
attributed to God and, also, those verses which apparently ascribe faults
to the messengers and Prophets of God (when in reality they are infallible).
The view that the word exegesis refers to a meaning other than the apparent
one has become quite accepted. Moreover, within the divergence of opinion
amongst scholars, exegesis has come to mean "to transfer"
the apparent meaning of a verse to a different meaning by means of a proof
called ta'wil; this method is not without obvious inconsistencies.
Although this view has gained considerable acceptance, it is incorrect
and cannot be applied to the Qur'anic verses for the following reasons.
Firstly, the verses, Do they await anything but the fulfillment of
it [VII:53]
and, but they denied that, the knowledge of which they could not
encompass and the interpretation of which had not yet come to them
[X:39] indicate that the whole Qur'an has exegesis, not just the implicit
verses as claimed by this group of scholars.
Secondly, implied in this view is that there are Qur'anic verses whose
real meaning is ambiguous and hidden from the people, only God knowing
their real meaning. However, a book which declares itself as challenging
and excelling in its linguistic brilliance could hardly be described as
eloquent if it failed to transmit the meaning of its own words.
Thirdly, if we accept this view, then the validity of the Qur'an comes
under question since, according to the verse, Why do they not reflect
upon the Qur'an, if it were from other than God they would have found in
it many inconsistencies.
One of the proofs that the Qur'an is not the speech of man is that,
despite having been revealed in widely varying and difficult circumstances,
there is no inconsistency in it, neither in its literal meaning nor in
its inner meaning, and any initial inconsistency disappears upon reflection.
If it is believed that a number of the implicit verses disagree with
the sound, or muhkam, or explicit, verses this disagree- ment may be resolved
by explaining that what is intended is not the literal meaning but rather
another meaning known only to God. However, this explanation will never
prove that the Qur'an is "not the speech of man." If by exegesis we change
any inconsistency in the explicit, or sound (muhkam), verses to another
meaning beyond the literal, it is clear that we may also do this for the
speech and writing of man.
Fourthly, there is no proof that exegesis indicates a meaning other
than the literal one and that, in the Qur'anic verses which mention the
word exegesis, the literal meaning is not intended.
On three occasions in the story of Joseph, ehe interpretation of his
dream is called ta'wil (exegesis). It is clear that the interpretation
of a dream is not fundamentally different from the actual appearance of
the dream; rather, it is the interpretation of what is portrayed in a particular
form in the dream. Thus Joseph saw his father, mother and brother falling
to the ground in the form of the sun, the moon and the stars.
Likewise, the king of Egypt saw the seven-year drought in the form of
seven lean cows eating the seven fat cows and also, the seven green ears
of corn and the seven dry ears. Similarly, the dreams of Joseph's two fellow-inmates
in the prison: one saw himself pouring wine for the king (in the form of
the first pressing of wine), while the second saw himself crucified (in
the form of birds eating from the bread basket on his head).
The dream of the king of Egypt is related in the same chapter, verse
43 and its interpretation, from Joseph, in verses 47-49 when he says, you
will sow seven years as usual, but what ever you reap leave it in the ear,
all except a little which you will eat. Then after that will come a year
when people will have plenteous crops and then they will press (meaning
wine and oil).
The dream of Joseph's fellow-inmates in the prison occurs in verse 36
of the same chapter. One of the two young men says to Joseph, "I
dreamt that I was carrying upon my head bread which the birds were eating."
The interpretation of the dream is related by Joseph in verse 41 O
my two fellow-prisoners! As for one of you he will pour out wine for his
Lord to drink and as for the other, he will be crucified so that the birds
will eat from his head .
In a similar fashion, God relates the story of Moses and Khidr in the
chapter "The Cave" [XVIII:71-82]. Khidr made a hole in the boats; thereafter,
killed a boy and, finally, straightened a leaning wall. After each event,
Moses protested and Khidr explained the meaning and reality of each action
which he had carried out on the orders of God; this he referred to as ta'wil.
Thus it is clear that the reality of the event and the dream-picture
which portrayed the event-to-be are basically the same: the ta'wil,
or interpretation, does not have a meaning other than the apparent one.
Likewise God says, talking about weights and measures, "Fill the
measure when you measure and weigh with a right balance, that is proper
and better in the end," (that is, more fitting in the final determination
of the Day of Reckoning) [XVII:35].
It is clear that the word ta'wil used here in respect to the
measuring and weighing refers to fair dealing in business practices. Thus
the ta'wil used in this way is not different from the literal meaning
of the words "measuring" and "weighing"; it merely deepens and extends
the significance of the mundane to include a spiritual dimension.
This spiritual dimension is of significance for the believer who has
in mind the reckoning of the final day together with his own day-to-day
reckoning in the affairs of trade.
In another verse God again uses the word ta'wil, and if
you have any dispute concerning any matter, refer it to God and the messenger
... that is better and more fitting in the end [IV:59].
It is clear that the meaning of ta'wil and the referring of the
dispute to God and His messenger is to establish the unity of Society and
to show how each action or event in a community has a spiritual significance.
Thus, the ta'wil refers to a tangible ordinary reality and is
not in opposition to the actual text in the verses which refers to the
dispute.
In all, there are sixteen occasions in the Qur'an in which the word
ta'wil
is used but on no occasion does it have a meaning other than the literal
text. We may say, therefore, that the word ta'wil is used to extend
the idea expressed to include a further meaning which, (as will be made
clear in the next section), is still in accordance with the actual word
ta'wil occurring in the verse.
Thus, in the light of these examples, there is no reason why we should
take the word ta'wil in the verse about the explicit muhkam, and
implicit, mutashabih, meanings to indicate "a meaning basically
other than the apparent meaning."
The Meaning of Exegesis in the Tradition of the Qur'anic Sciences
What is apparent from the verses in which the word ta'wil occurs
is that ta'wil does not indicate a literal meaning. It is clear
that the actual words of the dream described in chapter XII, "Joseph",
do not in themselves contain the literal interpretation of the dream; the
meaning of the dream becomes clear from the interpretation.
Andy likewise, in the story of Moses and Khidr, the actual words of
the story are not the same as the interpretation which Khidr gave Moses.
Moreover, in the verse, fill the measure when you measure and weigh
with a right balance, the language does not in itself indicate
the particular economic conditions which we are intended to understand.
Again, in the verse And if you have a dispute concerning any matter
then refer it to God and the messenger, there is no immediate literal
indication that what is meant is the Unity of Islam.
Thus, although the words indicate something not essentially different
from their literal meaning, there is, nevertheless, in all the verses the
same shifting of perspective, namely, from the actual words to the intended
meaning.
Moreover, all the meanings are based on a real situation, an actual
physical event. In the case of the dream, the interpretation has an external
reality which appears before its actual occurrence in a special form to
the dreamer. Likewise, in the story of Moses and Khidr, the interpretation
that the latter gives is, in fact, a reality which is to take place as
a result of his action.
Therefore, the interpretation of the event is rooted in the event. In
the verse which orders man to fair dealing and measuring, the aspect of
the verse is a reality which appears as a social benefit. Thus the order
is connected to the effect it is supposed to have in the raising up of
society and, in particular, of trade. In the verse concerning referral
of the dispute to God and His messenger, the meaning is again fixed to
reality, namely, the spiritualization of the life of the community.
To conclude, we may say that interpretation of each verse springs from
a reality; the interpretation looks forward to or, in a subtle way, actually
brings into being the reality it is talking about. Thus its meaning both
contains and springs from a future or ulterior event. Just as the interpreter
makes the interpretation meaningful, so the manifestation of the interpretation
is already a reality for the interpreter.
The idea is also present in the form of the Qur'an since this sacred
book has as its source realities and meanings other than the material and
physical or, we may say, beyond the sensory level. Thus it expresses meanings
which are more expansive than those contained in the words and phrases
used by man in the material world. Although these realities and meanings
are not contained in the literal explanation of man, the Qur'an uses the
same language to inform man of the unseen and to produce correct belief
and good action.
Thus, through belief in the unseen, in the last day and in the meeting
with God, man adopts a system of morals and a quality of character which
allows him to achieve happiness and well-being. In this way the Qur'an
produces a spiritual effect which, in turn, produces a physical social
change, the importance of which will become clear on the Day of Resurrection
and the meeting with God.
There is further reference to this same theme when God says in chapter
XLIII:2-4, By the Book which makes plain. Take heed, we have appointed
it a lecture in Arabic that perhaps you will understand. And indeed the
source of the Book which we possess, it is indeed sublime, decisive.
It is sublime, in that the ordinary understanding cannot fully comprehend
it, and decisive in that it cannot be faulted.
The relationship of the last part of the verse to the meaning of exegesis
ta'wil,
(as we have discussed above) is clear. It says, in particular, that "perhaps
you will understand," implying that one may or may not understand it; it
does not imply that one will understand the book fully, merely by studying
it.
As we have seen in the verse concerning the explicit mahkam and
the implicit mutashabih, knowledge of exegesis ta'wil, is
particular to God; moreover, when in this same verse corrupt men are blamed
for following the implicit mutashabih, verses and for intending
to sow dissension and conflict by searching for an exegesis, ta'wil,
or special interpretation, it does not state that they necessarily find
it.
The exegesis of the Qur'an is a reality, or several realities, which
are to be found in the Source Book, the Book of Decrees with God; the Source
Book is part of the unseen and far from the reach of corrupters. The same
idea is treated again in chapter LVI:75-80 when God says, Indeed
I swear by the places of the Stars - And truly that is surely a tremendous
oath if you but knew - that this is indeed a noble Qur'an, in a book kept
hidden, which none touch except the purified, a revelation from the Lord
of the Worlds.
It is clear that these verses establish for the Qur'an two aspects,
namely the position of the hidden book protected from being touched and
the aspect of revelation which is understandable by the people. What is
of particular interest to us in this verse is the phrase of exception,
"except the purified." According to this phrase, we can arrive
at an understanding of the reality of the exegesis of the Qur'an.
This positive view of man's capability to understand the Qur'an does
not conflict with the negation of the verse, "And no one knows its ta'wil
except God." Since the comparison of the two verses produces a whole which
is independent and harmonious. Thus we understand that God is alone in
understanding these realities, yet one may come to know these truths by
His leave and teaching.
Knowledge of the unseen is, according to many verses, the special domain
of God but in chapter LXXII:26-27, those who are worthy are excepted from
this: "He is the knower of the unseen and He reveals to no one His
secret, except to every messenger whom He has chosen. " Again we conclude
that knowledge of the unseen is particular to God and that it is fitting
for no one except Him and for those he gives leave to.
Thus the purified amongst men take the verse concerning the "purified
ones" as leave to enter into contact with the reality of the Qur'an.
In a similar way we read in chapter XXXIII:33, "God's wish is but
to remove uncleanliness from you, O people of the Household, and clean
you with a thorough cleaning." This verse was revealed, (according
to a sound tradition with an unbroken chain of transmission), specifically
with regard to the family of the Prophet.
The Existence of Abrogating and Abrogated Verses in the Qur'an
Among the verses in the Qur'an containing orders or laws, there are
verses that abrogate verses previously revealed and acted upon. These abrogating
verses are called nasikh and those whose validity they terminate
are called mansukh.
For example, at the beginning of the Prophet's mission, Muslims were
ordered to cultivate peace and friendship with the people of the Book,
"Forgive and be indulgent (towards them) until God gives command,"
[II:109]. Some time later, fighting was allowed and the order to establish
peace was abrogated: Fight against such as those who have been given
the Book but who believe not in God nor the last day, and do not forbid
that which God has forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the religion
of truth ... [XI:29]
The common notion of abrogation, that is, a cancelling of one law or
code by another, is based on the idea that a new law is needed because
of a mistake or shortcoming in the previous one. It is clearly inappropriate
to ascribe a mistake in law-making to God, Who is perfect, and whose creation
admits of no flaws.
However, in the Qur'an, the abrogating verses mark the end of the validity
of the abrogated verses because their heed and effect was of a temporary
or limited nature. In time the new law appears and announces the end of
the validity of the earlier law. Considering that the Qur'an was revealed
over a period of twenty-three years in ever-changing circumstances, it
is not difficult to imagine the necessity of such laws. It is in this light
that we should regard the wisdom of abrogation within the Qur'an: And
when We put a revelation in place of (another) revelation and God knows
best what He reveals - they say: you are just inventing it. Most of them
do not know. Say: The Holy Spirit (Gabriel) has revealed it from your hand
with truth and as a guidance and good news for those who have surrendered
(to God) [XVI:101-102]..
Applicability and Validity of the Qur'an
Bearing in mind that the Qur'an is valid for all times, the verses revealed
in special circumstances informing Muslims of their specific duties are
also valid for those who, in future, experience the same circumstances.
Similarly, those verses which praise or reproach certain qualities, and
promise reward or threaten punishment accordingly, are applicable to all
ages and places. Thus the meaning of a verse is not limited to the circumstances
or the times of its revelation.
Similar circumstances occurring subsequent to the revelation of a verse
are to be followed; this is known in Qur'anic Science as jary, or applicability.
The fifth Imam said, "were a verse after its revelation to pass away with
the passing away of that people, then nothing would have remained of the
Qur'an. " As long as the heavens and the earth exist, there are verses
for every people, wherever they be, which they may read and act upon for
the benefit or reject at their loss.
Qur'anic Commentary: Its Advent and Development
Commentary on the words and expressions used in the Qur'an began at
the time of the first revelation. The Prophet himself undertook the teaching
of the Qur'an and the explanation of its meanings and intent.
Thus, in chapter XVI:44 God says, "And we have revealed to you
the Remembrance that you may explain to mankind that which has been revealed
for them." And He says in LXII :2, "He it is Who has sent
among the unlettered ones a messenger of their own to recite to them His
revelations and to make them grow and to teach them the Scriptures and
wisdom."
At the time of the Prophet a group of men, on his orders, were instructed
to read, record and learn the Qur'an by heart. When the Prophet's companions
passed away, other Muslims took over the responsibility of learning and
teaching the Qur'an; and so it has continued until the present day.
The Science of Qur'anic Commentary and the Different Groups of Commentators
After the death of the Prophet a group of his companions, including
Ubayy ibn Ka'b, 'Abd Allah ibn Mas'ud, Jabir ibn 'Abd Allah al-Ansari,
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, 'Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr, 'Abd Allah ibn 'Umar, Anas,
Abu Hurayrah, Abu Musa, and, above all, the famous 'Abd Allah ibn 'Abbas,
were occupied with the Science of Commentary. Just as they had heard the
Prophet explaining the meanings of the verses, they would transmit it orally
to other trustworthy persons.
The traditions specifically concerned with the subject of Qur'anic verses
number over two hundred and forty; many were transmitted through weak chains
of transmission and the texts of some have been rejected as incorrect or
forged. Sometimes the transmission would include commentaries based on
personal judgements rather than on a narration of the actual sayings, hadiths,
from the Prophet.
The later Sunni commentators considered this kind of commentary as part
of the body of Sayings of The Prophet, since the companions were learned
in the science of Qur'anic commentary. They argued that these companions
had acquired their knowledge of this science from the Prophet himself and
that it was unlikely they would say anything which they themselves had
invented.
There is, however, no absolute proof for their reasoning. A large proportion
of these sayings, or traditions, about the reasons and historical circumstances
of the revelation of verses do not possess an acceptable chain of narration.
It should be noted that many of the narrators like Ka'b al-Akhbar, were
learned companions who had belonged to the Jewish faith before accepting
Islam.
Moreover, it should not be overlooked that Ibn Abbas usually expressed
the meanings of verses in poetry. In one of his narrations over two hundred
questions of Nafi' ibn al-Azraq are replied to in the form of poetry; al-Suyuti
in his book, al-Itqan, related one hundred and ninety of these questions.
It is evident, therefore, that many of the narrations made by the commentators
amongst the companions cannot be counted as actual narrations from the
Prophet himself; therefore, such additional material related by the companions
must be rejected.
The second group of commentators were the companions of the followers
(tabi'un), who were the students of the compan- ions. Amongst them we find
Mujahid, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, 'Ikrimah and Dahhak. Also from this group were
Hasan al-Basri, 'Ata' ibn Abi Rabah,, 'Ata' ibn Abi Muslim, Abu al-'Aliyah,
Muhammad ibn Ka'b al-Qurazi, Qatadah, 'Atiyah, Zayd ibn Aslam, Ta'us al-Yamani.
The third group were comprised of the students of the second group,
namely, Rabi ibn Anas, 'Abd al-Rahman ibn Zayd ibn Aslam, Abu Salih al-Kalbi
and others. The tabi'un sometimes narrated the commentary on a verse as
a tradition of the Prophet or of the companions and, sometimes, they explained
its meaning without attributing a narrator to the source, this they did
especially when there was any doubt as to the identity of the narrator.
The later commentators treat these narrations as traditions of the Prophet,
but count them as mawquf in their science of the levels of hadiths (that
is as a tradition whose chain of narration does not reach back to the Prophet)
.
The fourth group comprised the first compilers of commentaries, like
Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah, Waki' ibn al-Jarrah, Shu'bah al-Hajjaj and 'Abd ibn
Humayd; others from this group include Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, the author
of the famous Qur'anic Commentary.'
This group recorded the sayings of the companions and the followers
of the companions with a chain of narrators in their works of commentary;
they avoided expressing personal opinions except, perhaps, Ibn Jarir al-Tabari
who sometimes expressed his views by indicating his preference when discus-
sing two similar traditions. The basis of the work of later groups may
be traced to this group.
The fifth group omitted the chain of narrators in their writings and
contented themselves with a simple relation of the text of the traditions.
Some scholars regard these commentators as the source of varying views
in the commentaries by connecting many traditions to a companion or a follower
without verifying their validity or mentioning their chain of narration.
Consequently, confusion has arisen allowing many false traditions to enter
the body of traditions, thus undermining the reputation of this section
of hadith literature.
Careful examination of the chains of transmission of the traditions
leaves one in doubt as to the extent of the deceitful additions and false
testimonies. Many conflicting traditions can be traced to one companion
or follower and many traditions, which are complete fabrications, may be
found amongst this body of narrations.
Thus reasons for the revelation of a particular verse, including the
abrogating and abrogated verses, do not seem to ac- cord with the actual
order of the verses. No more than one or two of the traditions are found
to be acceptable when submitted to such an examination.
It is for this reason that Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who himself was born
before this generation of narrators, said, "Three things have no sound
basis: military virtues, bloody battles and the traditions pertaining to
Qur'anic commentary." Imam al-Shafi'i relates that only about one hundred
traditions from Ibn 'Abbas have been confirmed as valid.
The sixth group consists of those commentators who appeared after the
growth and development of the various Islamic Sciences and each undertook
the study of Qur'anic commentary according to his specialization: al-Zajjaj
studied the subject from the grammatical point of view; al-Wahidi and Abu
Hayyan' investigated the verses by studying the inflection of the verbs,
the vowels and the diacritical points. There is also commentary on the
rhetoric and eloquence of the verses by al-Zamakhshari in his work entitled
al- Kashshaf. There is a theological discussion in the "Grand Commentary"
of Fakhr al-Din al-Razi. The gnosis of Ibn al-'Arabi and 'Abd al-Razzaq
al-Kashani treated in their commentaries. Other narrators, like al-Tha'labi,
record the history of transmission of the traditions. Some commentators,
among them al-Qurtubi, concentrate on aspects of fiqh (jurisprudence) .
There also exists a number-of commentaries composed of many of these
sciences, such as Ruh al-bayan by Shaykh Isma'il Haqqi, Ruh al ma'ani by
Shihab al Dm Mahmud al- Alusi al-Baghdadi Ghara'ib al-Qur'an by Nizam al-Din
al Nisaburi. This group rendered a great service to the Science of Qur'anic
commentary in that it brought the Science out of a state of stagnation
(characteristic of the fifth group before it), and developed it into a
Science of precise investigation and theory.
However, if one were to examine closely the precision of this group's
research, one would see that rnuch of its Qur'anic commentary imposes its
theories onto the Qur'an rather than allowing the content of the verses
to speak for themselves.
The Methods Used by the Shi'ite Commentators and their Different
Groupings
All the groups mentioned above are Sunni commentators. Their method,
used in the earliest commentaries of this period, was based on ijtihad,
that is, the reports of the companions and the followers of the companions
were examined according to certain rules in order to reach an acceptable
understanding of the text. This resulted in varying opinions amongst those
making ijtihad and caused disorder, contradiction and, even, fabrication
to enter into the body of the traditions.
The method employed by the Shi'ite commentators, how- ever, was different,
with the result that the patterning of the groups was also different. The
Shi'ite commentators in their study of a verse of the Qur'an, viewed the
explanation given by the Prophet as proof of the meaning of the verse,
they did not accept the saying of the companions, or the followers, as
indisputable proof that the tradition was from the Prophet.
The Shi'ite commentators only recognized as valid an unbroken chain
of narration from the Prophet and through members of his family. Accordingly,
in using and transmitting the verses concerning Qur'anic commentary, they
restricted themselves to the use of traditions transmitted by the Prophet
and by the Imams of the Prophet's family. This has given rise to the following
groups:
The first group comprises those who have learned these traditions from
the Prophet and from the Imams of the Prophet's family, studying and recording
them according to their own method but not in any particular order. Among
them we may mention such scholars as Zararah, Muhammad ibn Muslim, Ma'ruf
and Jarir who were companions of the fifth and sixth Imams.
The second group comprises the first compilers of the commentaries,
like Furat ibn Ibrahlm al-Kufi, Abu Hamzah al-Thumali, Muhammad al-'Ayyashi,
'Ali ibn Ibrahim al-Qummi and al-Nu'mam who lived between the second and
fourth centuries after Hijrah. The method of this group was similar to
that of the fourth Sunni group of Commentators.
Thus, they avoided any kind of ijtihad or passing of judgement. We should
remember that the Imams of the Prophet's family were living amongst Muslims
and available for questioning (on matters of commentary, for example) for
a period of almost three hundred years. Thus the first groups were not
divided chronologically but rather according to their relationship with
the Imams.
There are very few who recorded the tradition without a chain of transmission.
As an example, we should mention one of the students of al-'Ayyashi who
omitted to record the chains of transmission. It was his work, instead
of the original of al-'Ayyashi which came into common use.
The third group comprises masters of various sciences, like al-Sharif
al-Radi who provided a commentary concerned with Qur'anic language and
Shaykh al-Tusi who wrote a commentary and analysis on metaphvsical matters.
Included, too, is Sadr al-Din al-Shirazi's philosophic work, al-Maybudi
al-Kunabadi's gnostic commentary and 'Abd 'Ali al-Huwayzi's commentary
Nur al-thaqalayn. Hashim al- Bahram composed the commentary al-Burhan and
al-Fayd al-Kashani compiled the work known as al-Safi.
There were others who brought together many different themes to their
commentaries, like Shaykh al-Tabarsi who in his Majma' al-bayan researches
different fields of language, grammar, Qur'an recitation, gnosis of death,
after-life and paradise, and knowledge of the traditions.
How Does the Qur'an Lend Itself to Interpretation?
The answer to this question is contained in the previous section where
we discussed the eternal validity of the Qur'an: it speaks to, instructs
and guides man now as it did in the past.
As we have seen, the whole text of the Qur'an is a challenge to mankind
and particularly to the enemies of Islam in that the Qur'an itself is proof
of its own argument; it announces itself as a light, an illumination and
an explanation of all things.
Thus a document which states and demonstrates that it is self-illuminating,
hardly needs others to illuminate it. As proof that it is not the speech
of man, the Qur'an says that it is a harmonious speech, without the slightest
inconsistency and any seeming inconsistency may be removed through reflection
on the Qur'an itself. If it were not the word of God, the Qur'an would
not be as clear as it is.
Moreover, if such speed needed something or someone else to explain
its meaning and purpose, it would neither be the proof nor the absolute
authority that it is so obviously is. This clarity is absolute, even if
a seemingly contradictory passage becomes the object of dispute; it could
be understood by cross-reference to the text of the Qur'an.
For instance, at the time of the Prophet, such matters could be referred
to him since his knowledge of the Qur'an was perfect and he did not need
to refer to other verses for clarification. Those who insisted on disagreeing,
or disbelieving in the Prophet's fallibility, were not satisfied.
Therefore, commentaries which solve problems of interpretation by quoting
the commentaries of the Prophet, without giving proofs from other Qur'anic
verses, are useful only for those who believe in Prophethood and the Prophet's
infallibility. These people do not go unmentioned in the Qur'an; we are
familiar with the following verse, if it had been from other than
God then they would have found many inconsistencies in it.
This is a clear argument against those who would seek for inconsistencies
in the Qur'an and find fault with the Prophet.
The Qur'an itself declares that the commentary and explanation of the
Prophet is valid while the Prophet himself has confirmed the validity of
the Qur'anic commentary of the Imams. We may summarize this by saying that
in the Qur'an some verses may be explained by comparison with other verses
and some by using the instructions and teachings of the Prophet and the
Imams. The latter commentaries are not, of course, different from the explanation
which is produced by comparing and analysing different verses.
Conclusion
There are three roads open to us when making commentary upon the Qur'an.
Firstly, by using knowledge that one already possesses.
Secondly, with the help of the sayings of the Prophet or Imams.
Thirdly, by using a combination of methods: by reflection and analysis,
or by allowing the verse to become clarified by comparing it to other verses,
or by use of the sayings of the Prophet and the Imams, whenever possible.
The third way is the one which we have outlined in the last section
and it is this way which the Prophet himself and the Imams of his family
indicate in their teachings. As we have seen, the Prophet said that, "The
verses were revealed to confirm each other," and Imam 'Ali said that "One
part of the Qur'an explains another and one part witnesses to the other."
It is, moreover, clear that this method of commentary is other than
that warned against by the Prophet when he said, "Whoever makes a commentary
upon the Qur'an according to his own opinion prepares for himself a place
in the Fire." This method uses the Qur'an to explain itself and is not
based merely on explanation arising from whim or fancy.
The first method is unacceptable and exemplifies commentary based on
opinion, except in cases where it agrees with the third method. The second
method is the one used by the early scholars and for many centuries afterwards,
and is still in use amongst both Sunni and Shi'ite scholars of the traditions
of the Prophet. This method is limited, considering the vast nature of
the subject and the countless number of questions, (both general and particular),
arising from over six thousand verses.
Where, one asks, is the answer to such questions? Where is the solution
to so many intricate and perplexing questions? Or, should we refer to the
body of tradition concerning the verses?
Let us not forget that the total number of traditions of the Prophet
accepted and transmitted by the Sunni scholars number no more than two
hundred and fifty; we should also remember that many of them are weak and
some even totally unacceptable. It is true that the traditions of the Prophet
and the Imams transmitted by the Shi'ite scholars number a thousand and
that amongst them are to be found a consider- able number which are fully
trustworthy.
Consideration of these traditions is not enough, however, given the
countless questions which arise and the many Qur'anic verses that are not
even mentioned in this body of traditions. Should one refer in such matters
to the appropriate verses?
As we have explained, this is not acceptable according to the method
under consideration here. Should one simply abstain from investigation
and imagine that the need for knowledge is non-existent? In this case,
what is one to understand by the verse, And we reveal the Book to
you as an exposition of all things, [XVI:89] which is clear proof
that the Qur'an itself is not a mystery but rather explains, among other
things, itself, by its own light.
Chapter IV:82 contains the injunction, "Will they not ponder on
the Qur'an." Similarly, in chapters XLVII:24 and XXXVIII:29 "(This
book) is a Book that we have revealed to you, full of blessing, that you
may ponder its revelation and the men of understanding may reflect. "
Likewise in Chapter XXIII:68, "Have they not pondered the word, or
has something come to them which did not come to their forefathers. "
What are we intended to understand by these verses? How are we to act
in the light of the totally trustworthy traditions of the Prophet and the
Imams in which they advise us to refer to the Qur'an itself in case of
problems of interpretation and discordance of opinion? According to many
well known traditions of the Prophet, transmitted in unbroken chains of
transmission, one is obliged to refer the tradition to the Book of God;
if the tradition is in accordance with the Book, then it is accepted and
used in commentary and, if in disagreement, it is rejected.
It is clear that the meaning of these traditions is applicable when
one discovers through the Science of Commentary that the inner meaning
of one verse is contrary to what is contained in another verse. In this
case, one must reject what one has discovered through the study of commentaries.
These traditions are the best proof that the Qur'an, like speech or
writing in general, has meaning and will always have meaning, even when
studied independently of the traditions. Thus it is the duty of the commentators
to take into account and reflect upon the traditions of the Prophet and
Imams concerning Qur'anic verses but only use those traditions which are
in accordance with the verse under scrutiny.
An Example of Commentary on the Qur'an with the Aid of the Qur'an
On four occasions in the Qur'an God says "Allah is the creator all beings,"
[XXXIX:62]. The meaning is clear on each occasion; God is stating that
everything man may possibly imagine in the world has been created by him
and is sustained by Him. However, one should not ignore the fact that in
hundreds of verses the Qur'an affirms the existence of cause and effect
and attributes the action of every doer to the immediate cause.
Thus the effect of the burning of fire is a direct result of the fire
itself, the growing of plants, the action of the plants, the falling rain
caused by the state of the sky; the actions which man chooses to undertake
are, according to the Qur'an, the result (and consequent responsibility)
of man. We may also say that the doer of any action is the one responsible
for that action, but God is the giver of existence, the Creator of deeds
and the owner of deeds.
Keeping in mind this general relationship between the Creator and His
creation, we may read in chapter XXXII:7 "Who made all things beautiful
and good which We created. " When we join this verse to the previous
one we see that beauty and goodness necessarily accompany His creation
and so anything which has existence in the cosmos is also good and beautiful.
We should not forget, however, that in many verses, the Qur'an affirms
the existence of good and its opposite, evil, useful things and harmful
things, beauty and ugliness; and it enumerates many bad actions, wrong
doers and bad events.
These are all, however, negative aspects of the human character and
are mentioned as a measure of man; they are relative and not intended as
proof that the creation of man is basically bad. For example, the snake
or the serpent is harmful but only to man and animals who suffer the effects
of its sting; to stones and earth it is harmless. Bitter taste and foul
smell are unpleasant, but only to the human sense of taste and smell, not
to all animals. Certain behaviour may at times appear wrong but this is
often the result of observing human behaviour in relation to one particular
society of men; in another society or circumstance it may not be considered
wrong.
Indeed, if we dispense for a moment with those negative aspects of man's
character which are secondary or relative to the miracle and perfection
of His creation, we witness only the beautiful symmetry and proportion
of the cosmos in its entirety and the amazing beneficence of the Creator.
Words are not able to describe this beauty since they themselves are part
of this world of beauty.
In reality the above-mentioned verses awake man to an awareness of the
relative nature of beauty and ugliness; they invite him to a comprehension
of absolute beauty and prepare him for an understanding of creation as
a whole. In fact, there are Qur'anic verses which explain or comment upon
the different aspects of creation in the universe, either as isolated individual
examples or as groupings and classes. Each creation, whether a single manifestation
or joined to a larger structure and patterning, is a sign and indication
of God.
Whichever way we regard creation, it all points to the existence of
God.
This way of understanding or seeing the universe and its signs, leads
to an appreciation of the stupendous beauty which encircles the whole world
and allows us to realize that it is His beauty, emanating from the domain
of His power, and made visible in the signs of the skies and the earth.
Each aspect of the cosmos lends beauty and dimension to everything surrounding
it, yet at the same time it is insignificant in relation to the whole.
The Qur'an affirms in other verses that perfection and beauty manifest
themselves from the domain of his power; thus He says in chapter XL:65
"He is the Living One, there is no god save Him," and in
II:165 "... power belongs completely to God, " and in IV:
139, "Truly all power belongs to God, " and "He is the knower, the
All-Powerful." On another occasion we read "And He is the
Hearer, the Seer, " and in XX:8, "Allah! There is no god
save Him. His are the most beautiful names."
We realize from these verses that the beauty which manifests itself
in the visible world has its reality in the domain of His power and grandeur.
All other beauty, all other power, is illusory or metaphorical of His power.
In affirmation of this explanation, the Qur'an states that the beauty
and perfection created by man is limited and temporal but that of God boundless
and eternal. God emphasizes that all creation is from Him and under His
power. In chapter LIV:49, "Truly we have created everything by measure"
and in the chapter XV:21, "And there is not a thing with us but there
are stores of it. And we do not send it down except in appointed measure."
Careful observation reveals that the Book itself declares its own perfection
and beauty, that it encompasses all aspects of creation and the Creator,
and that there is no fault or shortcoming in it. Such is the perfection
of the Qur'an, which itself is one of the signs of God, that it makes the
reader forget himself in rapturous appreciation of its beauty.
This we read in II: 165 "Those who believe are stauncher in their
love of God. " Love, of its very nature, demands the self and the
giving over of the self to God. It demands the handing over of one's affairs
completely to Him and allowing Him to be one's Lord: "And Allah is
the protecting Friend of the believers" [III:68] .
This idea is also contained in II:257 which declares, "God is
the Protecting Friend of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness
into light," and also in VI:122, "Is he who was dead and
We have raised him to life and set for him a light in which he walks among
men ..." Likewise, we read in LVIII:22, "As for such, He
has written faith upon their hearts and has strengthened them with a spirit
from Him."
This spirit, this new life and light, is given by God to the man who
perceives reality and truth and who understands the path of happiness and
well-being in society. In another verse in LVII:28, He explains the effect
of such light: "O you who believe! Be mindful of your duty to God
and put faith in His messenger. He will give you two fold of His mercy
and will appoint for you a light in which you shall walk."
Again, in another verse, He makes a commentary on "faith in the Prophet"
by explaining it as submission and obedience to Him; chapter III:31, "Say
(O Muhammad, to mankind): If you love God follow me; God will love you."
The nature of this path is explained in chapter VII:157, Those
who follow the messenger the Prophet, who can neither read nor write, whom
they will find described in the Torah and the Gospels (which are) with
them. He will rejoin in than that which is right and forbid them that which
is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for
them only the foul; and He will relieve them of their burden and the fetters
they used to wear.
Still more vividly, the path is explained in another verse which is
also a commentary on the previous verse [XXX:30], So let your purpose
(O Muhammad) for the din (of Islam) as a man by nature upright-the nature
of (God on which he has created man. There is no altering God 's creation.
That is the right way of life, but most men to not know ... "
The right way of life, or din refers to the correct path for society
to follow for its well-being and happiness. According to this verse, the
way of Islam is also the way desired by the Creator for man.
In other words, the legislative framework given to man by God is the
very framework which is appropriate for the creature man. This divine law
is in complete harmony with the nature of man, living a life of piety and
obedience.
God says in another verse IXCI:7-81, "And a soul and Him who perfected
it. And inspired it (with conscience of) what is wrong for it and (what
is) right. " The Qur'an is the only revealed book which equates
the happiness and well-being of man with a pure and sincere way of life.
Moreover, unlike other religions, Islam does not separate worship of
God from the actual programme of living; it establishes the word din to
mean not only religion but also life in general as well, the actual day
to day routine of man, both on a personal and social level.
The Qur'an establishes a programme of living which is in accord with
the
functioning and the reality of the cosmos, and the Qur'an mentions many
of the benefits and virtues to be expected by the man of God and the lovers
of Truth, including a certainty of faith and tranquillity of the heart.
The Validity of the Commentary of the Prophet and the Imams
From an indication in the Qur'an itself, the commentary of the Prophet
and the Imams, (as discussed in the previous sections), is established
as being absolutely true. Authentication of the sayings of the Prophet
and the Imams is clearly established by the existence of fully trustworthy
chains of transmissions. A tradition may not, however, be recognized as
totally acceptable if it has been transmitted by one chain of narration
only.
The validity of the tradition may be disputed amongst the Muslim Scholars
of Commentary: amongst the Sunni's a tradition of a single chain of transmission,
classified in their terms as sahih (sound), must be accepted and acted
upon; among the Shi'ite scholars a tradition with a single undisputed chain
of transmission is also accepted as a proof.
However, in the laws of the shari'ah it is not valid and must be investigated
and checked before use as a proof.
Author's Note: The previous section has been specifically about the
use of commentary or explanation in order to arrive at the true meaning
of a verse. This includes study of the literal meanings and those hidden
in metaphor. It does not include an explanation or a discussion of the
linguistic and literal aspects or the science of Qur'an recitation since
these do not affect the meaning.