A Principle of Exegesis: The Reference in Tafsir is First the Qur'an Interpreting the Qur'an, Then the Sunnah, Then the Companions, Then the Successors, with Examples
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The Shaykh : Now, in this verse or in this surah, there is a principle among the principles of exegesis, which is that in interpretation, one first refers to the speech of Allah, meaning that we first interpret the Qur'an with the Qur'an. From where is this taken? Please.
The student: ... .
The Shaykh : Then He clarified it by saying: May Allah reward you. So, what is the first thing with which we interpret the Qur'an? With the Qur'an, because the Qur'an interprets parts of itself, since the One who spoke it is One. Then, after that, we interpret it with what the Sunnah interpreted, because who is the most knowledgeable of the creation regarding the Book of Allah? The Messenger of Allah, and there is no dispute in that. Now, we want to bring an example of interpreting the Qur'an with the Sunnah. Who among you can provide an example, my brothers? Interpreting the Qur'an with the Sunnah. One, one from whom? Please.
The student: ... .
The Shaykh : No. Rest. Get up, my brother.
The student: ... .
The Shaykh : Yes, you did well. Among the examples of this is the saying of Allah the Exalted:[Al-An'am 6:82] The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "Which of us did not wrong himself?" He said: إن المراد بالظلم هنا الشرك ألم تسمعوا إلى قول الرجل الصالح إن الشرك لظلم عظيم The meaning of injustice here is shirk (associating partners with Allah). Have you not heard the saying of the righteous man: "Indeed, shirk is a great injustice"?. And among that is also the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the saying of Allah the Exalted: [Al-Anfal 8:60] He said: Sahih Muslim 1917. And among that is his saying (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the saying of Allah the Exalted: [Yunus 10:26] He said: .
Now, after that, we refer to the interpretation of whom, my brothers? The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), because the Companions are the most knowledgeable people after the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the meanings of the Book of Allah, because it was revealed in their language, in their era, and in the circumstances for which it was revealed, the meaning of the Qur'an, because the Qur'an may be specified by a particular state among the states in which it was revealed. Then, after that, the great Successors, especially those who took from the Companions, such as Mujahid ibn Jabr (may Allah have mercy on him) and others from the Successors.
The student: ... .
The Shaykh : Then He clarified it by saying:
The piercing star.
النجم الثاقبThe student: ... .
The Shaykh : No. Rest. Get up, my brother.
The student: ... .
The Shaykh : Yes, you did well. Among the examples of this is the saying of Allah the Exalted:
They who believe and do not mix their belief with injustice - those will have security
الذين آمنوا ولم يلبسوا إيمانهم بظلم أولئك لهم الأمنAnd prepare against them whatever you are able of power
وأعدوا لهم ما استطعتم من قوةBeware, strength consists in archery.
ألا إن القوة الرميFor them who have done good is the best [reward] and extra
للذين أحسنوا الحسنى وزيادةThe increase is the looking at the face of Allah the Noble
الزيادة هي النظر إلى وجه الله الكريمNow, after that, we refer to the interpretation of whom, my brothers? The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), because the Companions are the most knowledgeable people after the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the meanings of the Book of Allah, because it was revealed in their language, in their era, and in the circumstances for which it was revealed, the meaning of the Qur'an, because the Qur'an may be specified by a particular state among the states in which it was revealed. Then, after that, the great Successors, especially those who took from the Companions, such as Mujahid ibn Jabr (may Allah have mercy on him) and others from the Successors.