Interpreting the Holy Qur’an without Knowledge
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Allah (SWA) in the Holy Qur’an has said; “Surely those who go crooked about our signs are not hidden from us. So, tell me which one is better: the one who is thrown into the fire, or the one who will come safely on the Day of judgement? Do whatever you wish. He is watchful of whatever you do.” (Surah Hamim As Sajdah v.40)
In Qur’an and Hadith terminology, Ilhaad means to deviate from the verses of the Holy Qur’an. This deviation can be through open denial or through false interpretation, which are not recognised by the majority of the ummah. Shah Abdul Aziz Muhadith Dehlawi (RA) in the has said; “that false interpretation that goes against the definite, unambiguous texts of the Holy Qur’an or the Mutawatir Ahadith or of the absolute consensus of the ummah. This kind of interpretation is Kufr. The second kind is an interpretation against the texts that are, though clear and semi certain, are not certain or definite in absolute terms. This kind of false interpretation is not kufr, however, it is fisq and misguidance. Apart from these two kinds any interpretation that is biased on a possible understanding of the text is the field of the jurists exercising ijtihad. (Maariful Qur’an p.658-p.660 v.7)
From the aforementioned discussion we can derive that to discuss about certain verses of the Holy Qur’an which contradict the definite, unambiguous texts of the Holy Qur’an or the Mutawatir Ahadith will not be permissible irrespective of whether one is a scholar or not.
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham.
