It is He, Who sent down the Book to you, some of its verses have a clear meaning; they are the foundation of the Book, and the other verses are those that have ambiguity in meaning.[1] So as for those who carry deviation in their hearts so they follow that which is unclear from the verses desiring to spread discord ˹among people˺ and seeking ˹false˺ interpretation,[2] even though their correct interpretation is only known by Allah. And those who are profound in knowledge,[3] they say, “We have believed in this, all ˹this˺ is from our Lord,” and none attain advice except the possessors of insight.[4]
Commentary
[1]
The ambiguous verses (Mutashābihāt)
are either those that have no obvious interpretation, such as the single
letters in the opening of certain chapters (such as Alif LāmMīm and ʿAyn Sīn Qāf) or those that can be interpreted but it is their connotative, not
literal, meaning that is intended (like “hand” and “face” for Allah Almighty).
[2]
Here, misguided people and
deviants are mentioned who follow their desires and interpret the ambiguous
verses literally which is clear misguidance, in fact, disbelief in some cases;
such people interpret these verses incorrectly.
[3]
Prominent scholars have stated
that the greatness of the Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ
عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم is above this that Allah
Almighty should not even grant him knowledge of the ambiguous verses, in fact,
the saints are granted this knowledge too.
[4]
This expresses how
intelligence is an invaluable asset as this is a means of attaining guidance.
However, intelligence which does not lead to guidance is the worst foolishness
just as strength is a good trait but if used for oppression, it is worse than
weakness.
