Explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an

The paramount approach to Qur'anic exegesis, as practiced by the Ahl al-Bayt (a.s.), is known as explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an. This method involves interpreting each verse of the Qur'an with insights drawn from other verses within the sacred text. It employs a strategy where the meanings of subsidiary verses are illuminated by main and central verses, utilizing the clearer verses to explicate those that are less explicit. This is predicated on the understanding that certain verses in the Qur'an serve as comprehensive foundations of knowledge, while others provide supplementary details. Through this approach, verses that carry partial information are fully understood with the aid of those containing the core tenets of knowledge.

To grasp the essence of a sacred religious text, one must immerse themselves in thorough contemplation of that very text. The Qur'an, described as light, is devoid of ambiguity or obscurity. Despite its profound weight and depth, these characteristics do not diminish its clarity; light stands in contrast to the darkness of uncertainty, not to depth or complexity. Thus, the luminosity of the Qur'an does not imply that its meanings are immediately obvious or that it lacks the need for interpretation.

Some individuals face obstacles in perceiving the light of revelation, hindered by enduring practices of ignorance and the impact of external ideologies. This results in a spiritual and intellectual barrier:

Rather, their hearts have become covered with what they have earned (83:14),

Indeed, it is not the eyes that are blinded, but rather the hearts within the chests (22:46),

and You are not a guide for the blind away from their error (27:81).

Lacking insight, they are shrouded from the light of revelation and estranged from divine inspiration:

And their hearts are sealed, so they do not understand (9:87),

They have hearts with which they do not understand (7:179).

The inability of some to discern this light is not indicative of its absence but can stem from either the obscurity of the subject or the viewer's own blindness. Conversely, the act of seeing confirms both the clarity of the object and the perceiver's capability to see. God has distinguished the Qur'an as lucid, intended for those gifted with insight and attentive listening:

...for the one who has a heart or who listens mindfully. (50:37)

Those unable to grasp its meanings are likened to the blind and deaf, with veiled, sealed hearts and minds closed to understanding.

In this section, we approach tafsīr (exegesis) of the Qur'an not just as a practice but as a distinct methodology and perspective. The Qur'an's nature as a divine source is intrinsic to its own method of explanation, possessing unique rulings, especially highlighted in the discussion of explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an itself. Indeed, the foundational sources of religious rulings are the Book of God, the traditions of the Infallibles (a.s.), and reason, with the consensus leaning towards the Sunnah without contradicting it. The focus here is on the methodology of explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an and its implications.

To delve deeper, we must consider several pivotal questions regarding this exegetical approach:

Is this method of exegesis valid and credible?

If it is valid, does it hold actual or conditional authority?

Assuming actual authority, is its authority exclusive, meaning does it override any other authoritative interpretations derived from different methods of explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an?

These questions are crucial for understanding the scope, reliability, and exclusivity of this exegetical method, guiding our exploration of its principles and applications.

Concerning the authority and credibility of the method of explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an, it's crucial to distinguish between inherently authoritative sources and those whose credibility is conditional. For instance, in an Islamic court of law, the testimony of a known wrongdoer is inherently devoid of authority due to its lack of credibility. Conversely, the testimony of a single just person, while generally regarded as credible and authoritative, does not independently achieve comprehensive authority and is thus considered "potentially credible" or "conditionally authoritative." This means its full credibility and authority are actualized only when corroborated by the testimony of another just person.

However, the combined authority of two just persons, though independent, is not exclusive. This is because other proofs can serve as independent sources of authority alongside the testimony of two just persons, without any single source claiming exclusivity. Similar principles apply in cases where other elements, such as the knowledge of the judge or an oath sworn by the denier, may counter the authority of these testimonies.

Note

This framework helps to contextualize the reliability and scope of the method of explaining the Qur'an by the Qur'an, illustrating how its authority, while profound and essential, interacts with other authoritative sources within Islamic jurisprudence.

The Qur'an, as the divine word of God Almighty, substantiates its divine origin through its miraculous nature, positioning it as a source of religious authority akin to intrinsic certainty. Through contemplation and holistic engagement with its verses, the Qur'an unequivocally establishes itself as an authoritative text, far removed from the non-authoritative nature akin to the testimony of a disreputable person.

The contents of the Qur'an are comprised of both explicit texts, whose meanings are clear and certain, and texts that are implicit or ambiguous, rendering their meanings probable or open to interpretation. The explicit portions carry definitive authority due to their clarity, whereas the implicit or ambiguous sections are considered to hold probable authority regarding their meanings. Nonetheless, as the proclamation of the Lawgiver, the Qur'an's authority is inherent and does not rely on external validation. Its authoritative status is integral, underscoring the Qur'an's pivotal role as a foundational source of guidance and legal framework within Islamic tradition.