“It is He who has sent down to you, [O Muhammad], the Book; in it are verses [that are] precise – they are the foundation of the Book – and others unspecific. As for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. And no one knows its [true] interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say, ‘We believe in it. All [of it] is from our Lord.’ And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.” (Quran 3:7)
Interpretations Related to Ikhtilaaf:
- Mutashabihat (Unspecific Verses):
- Some scholars interpret the “unspecific” or “ambiguous” (Mutashabihat) verses as those which have multiple plausible interpretations, and this can lead to ikhtilaaf or differences in understanding and application.
- Foundation of the Book:
- The “precise” or “clear” (Muhkamat) verses are considered the foundation of the Book, meaning they are clear in meaning and are the basis for Islamic law and creed. Disputes (ikhtilaaf) should not arise regarding these verses.
- Seeking Discord:
- The verse warns against following ambiguous verses with the intention of creating discord or controversy (fitna) or seeking interpretations to suit one’s desires.
- Firm in Knowledge:
- Those who are firm in knowledge acknowledge the entirety of the Quran as divine revelation and submit to its guidance, accepting the existence of different interpretations without causing discord.
Various Tafsirs:
a. Tafsir al-Qurtubi:
- Al-Qurtubi explains that the precise verses are those related to laws and prohibitions, while the unspecific verses are those related to the attributes of God and the hereafter, which might be subject to various interpretations.
b. Tafsir al-Nasafi:
- Al-Nasafi asserts that the unspecific verses are those that might have various possible meanings, and only God knows their true interpretation. He emphasizes the importance of returning to the clear verses and the consensus of scholars in cases of ambiguity and difference.
c. Tafsir Ibn Kathir:
- Ibn Kathir remarks that the unspecific verses are known fully only to Allah, and people of knowledge accept and believe in them without delving into their exact meanings. They believe in the apparent and hidden meanings of the verses.
d. Tafsir al-Tafsir al-Mazhari:
- Shah Waliullah al-Dihlawi in his Tafsir al-Mazhari suggests that the clear verses are the basis for beliefs, practices, and ethics, and the ambiguous verses should be referred back to the clear ones for understanding and interpretation.
