The Possibility and Necessity of Qur'anic Exegesis

Tafsīr is the process of clarifying and unveiling the essence of words or statements that are not immediately apparent, grounded in the norms of conversation and communication. Naturally, expressions with self-evident meanings do not necessitate elaboration, much like riddles or puzzles do not conform to standard conversational norms and follow unique rules. Thus, phrases that, upon thoughtful reflection, hinge on specific conceptual premises require elucidation.

The exegesis of such expressions involves dissecting these premises, discerning the speaker's intent, and unpacking both the straightforward and complex meanings of the words. This practice of interpretation extends beyond religious scriptures; however, it is notably recognized as a specialized art (fann al-tafsīr) in the context of elucidating the Qur'an.

The exegesis of the Qur'an, steeped in numerous conditions and protocols, hinges critically on two core prerequisites: the clarity of the Qur'an itself, making it accessible and comprehensible to seekers, and the exegete's depth of insight, enabling them to unearth the knowledge it encases. The analogy of the sun illuminates this principle well: despite its brilliance, it remains unseen by the blind, partially sighted, or those with impaired vision.

Similarly, the Qur'an's light, described as a conclusive proof from your Lord and a clear light sent down for humanity's guidance (O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light (4:174); So believe in God and His Messenger and the light which We have sent down (64:8); And follow the light which has been sent down with him (7:157); There has come to you from God a light and a plain Book (5:15)), is profound and intense, not feeble or superficial:

Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word. (73:5)

To engage with the Qur'an's profound illumination requires not just sight, but vision—sharp, intellectual vision and deep scholarly insight. The Qur'an is likened to an inexhaustible treasure or an enigmatic stranger, whose depths of knowledge and wisdom are fully comprehensible only to the luminous minds of the Infallibles (a.s.):

Indeed, it is a noble Qur'an in a hidden book... none touch it except the purified. (56:77–79)

Thus, the concept of Qur'anic exegesis inherently includes "to the extent of human capacity" as a pivotal condition.

Accordingly, while the insightfulness of the exegete is indispensable, accessing the Qur'an's complete wisdom necessitates reference to the Purified Ones (al-Muṭahharūn), the embodiment of infallibility and purity. Their unparalleled understanding sheds light on the scripture's most profound meanings. The significance of consulting the traditions of the infallibles (a.s.) in comprehending the Qur'an's depths will be further elaborated in subsequent discussions.

The Qur'an's nature distinctly allows for and necessitates exegesis. This attribute stems from its balanced position, safeguarded against the extremes of being overly evident or excessively obscure. It avoids the simplicity that negates the need for exploring its conceptual and confirmatory foundations, as well as the complexity and ambiguity that could place it beyond the realm of conventional human discourse, rendering it impervious to interpretation.

While the Qur'an serves as a beacon of light, it is imbued with profound knowledge, warranting detailed exposition. Its illumination pierces the veil of uncertainty, not by simplifying its wisdom to the point of self-evidence, but by offering clarity that invites exploration and understanding. Thus, the Qur'an's light is positioned not as an adversary to depth or complexity, but as a guide through the obscurities of human experience, necessitating its elucidation to fully grasp the breadth and depth of divine wisdom it encompasses.

The necessity of Qur'anic exegesis and its essential role in making the scripture comprehensible to the general populace stem from reasons the Qur'an itself articulates. It assigns itself characteristics that inherently call for its interpretation and presents teachings whose depths cannot be fathomed without thorough exegesis. On one hand, the Qur'an is lauded as profound speech and weighty discourse: Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word (73:5), suggesting its rich, dense content necessitates unpacking. On the other, it portrays imagery of mountain ranges, humbled and shattered by its might and authority:

If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it humbled and crumbling from the fear of God. And these examples We present to the people that perhaps they will give thought. (59:21)

This vivid illustration underscores the Qur'an's profound impact and the thoughtful reflection it seeks to inspire.

Moreover, the Qur'an challenges both jinn and humans to emulate its unique composition, affirming their collective inability to meet this challenge:

Say, if mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur'an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants. (17:88)

This challenge's broad scope implies an enduring inability to replicate the Qur'an's miraculous nature, as further highlighted:

And if you do not—and you will never be able to—then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones, prepared for the disbelievers. (2:24)

Thus, the verse not only emphasizes the insurmountable challenge but also the eternal incapacity of disbelievers to meet it, showcasing the necessity of exegesis to truly grasp the divine wisdom encapsulated within the Qur'an.

Conversely, the Qur'an delves into intricate branches of knowledge framed within the context of monotheism, encompassing the beautiful names of God, His supreme eternal attributes, concepts of decree and destiny, the dynamics of compulsion versus delegation and choice, the incorporeality of the soul, the infallibility of angels, and the purity and infallibility of prophets and Imāms of the household (a.s.). It also addresses leadership and governance within the Islamic framework, evaluates various schools of thought, narrates the missions of prior prophets, and provides guidance for their successors, among many other profound subjects of both theoretical and practical wisdom.

These complex themes, integral to understanding the comprehensive Islamic worldview, are not easily grasped by the general public without elucidation from those endowed with wisdom. The Qur'an's engagement with such depth underscores the indispensable role of knowledgeable interpretation to bridge the gap between divine revelation and human comprehension, ensuring the rich tapestry of Islamic knowledge is accessible and understandable, guiding believers in their faith and daily lives.

Hence, the imperative for Qur'anic exegesis stems from two primary considerations: firstly, as a repository of profound knowledge (theoretical aspect), its depths are innately beyond direct comprehension without thorough interpretation. Secondly, as a beacon of guidance (practical aspect), with its core message being:

Indeed, this Qur'an guides to that which is most right and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward (17:9),

it necessitates a clear exposition of its concepts and meanings to effectively guide human society. These dual aspects underscore the vital role of exegesis in bridging the divine wisdom of the Qur'an with the practical and spiritual needs of the faithful, ensuring its teachings are accessible and actionable in the cultivation of a righteous and enlightened community.

The imperative to elucidate the Qur'an becomes even more pronounced among those well-versed in various domains of human knowledge. Thus, the tradition of Qur'anic exegesis has been esteemed and diligently pursued from the scripture's revelation to the current era. Initially undertaken by the Messenger of God (s.a.w.), the People of the House of infallibility and purity, as well as by the companions, successors, and both early and later religious scholars, the endeavor of exegesis has formed a continuous lineage of scholarly engagement.

While certain early figures abstained from personal attempts at interpreting the Qur'an, opting instead to rely solely on traditions for exegesis, a segment of scholars refrained altogether from positing any personal interpretations, a topic that will be further explored in the discussion on exegesis based on personal opinion (tafsīr bi al-raʾyy). Up until the fifth/eleventh century, narrative exegesis predominated, with only incidental instances of literary and linguistic analysis evident in the works of predecessors, marking a foundational approach to understanding and conveying the profound messages encapsulated within the Qur'an.

Explaining the Qur'an without sufficient knowledge or prior investigation is not only disapproved but also represents a form of condemned practice known as explanation based on personal opinion (tafsīr bi al-raʾy). This highlights the critical need to engage with the sources of knowledge and adhere to established principles of investigation to truly access the depths of Qur'anic wisdom. Undertaking Qur'anic exegesis without grounding in these essential frameworks renders the attempt as subjective and unendorsed, contrasting sharply with interpretations that are well-informed and reasoned. Thus, a legitimate and respected exegesis requires a solid foundation in both the sources of Islamic knowledge and the methodologies of scholarly inquiry, ensuring that explanations of the Qur'an are both credible and substantiated.