The Shaykh’s mention of some of the rules and principles of the science of tafsir.

The Shaykh : Therefore, it is among the principles of tafsir and the rules of the science of tafsir that it is obligatory to interpret the Qur'an by the Qur'an and the Sunnah. I hope you pay attention to this point: it is obligatory to interpret the Qur'an by the Qur'an and the Sunnah. I do not say, as you may read in some books, that it is obligatory to interpret the Qur'an by the Qur'an first, and then by the Sunnah second. This is a common error, unfortunately, because the Sunnah, as you know, clarifies the Qur'an; it clarifies its generalities, specifies its general statements, and restricts its absolute statements, among other clarifications from which a Muslim cannot do without any of them, absolutely. Therefore, it is not permissible to interpret the Qur'an by the Qur'an alone; rather, it is obligatory to interpret the Qur'an by the Qur'an and the Sunnah together. Thus, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the previous hadith: Therefore, every interpreter who wishes to interpret a verse of the Qur'an, especially if that verse relates to creed, rulings, or morals and conduct, must combine the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Why? Because a verse in the Qur'an may need clarification from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).