(The Difference Between Correct Interpretation and Defective Interpretation, and the Explanation of the Use of the Term Interpretation in the Speech of the Salaf to Mean Correct Interpretation, i.e., Exegesis) and all that
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The Shaykh : The author (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned in these verses that the interpretation which was invalidated, which occurred in all religious innovations and new matters, is that there is a correct interpretation, which is the interpretation spoken by the people of knowledge and faith. Therefore, he said:
"There is no ta'wil (figurative interpretation) for the people of knowledge and faith
At that time, interpretation is the explanation of what is intended and its disclosure *** and the clarification of its meaning to the minds"
This interpretation means exegesis, because the interpretation we mentioned as the root of the calamity is diverting the word from the stronger meaning to the weaker meaning. This is distortion. This is the interpretation that Ibn al-Qayyim invalidated, and the reality of the matter is that it is distortion. There is an interpretation that means exegesis, which is disclosing the meaning, clarifying it, and explaining it. This interpretation is correct. Therefore, he said:
"At that time, interpretation is the explanation of what is intended and its disclosure *** and the clarification of its meaning to the minds"
This is what the scholars, the people of knowledge and faith, use. For example, Ibn Jarir, who is the imam of the mufassirun (interpreters) by athar (reports from a Companion or successor), says when he speaks about the interpretation of a verse: "The statement regarding the ta'wil (figurative interpretation) of the saying of Allah the Exalted" such and such. "The statement regarding the ta'wil" means in the interpretation. It is called ta'wil because it is the clarification of what the wording leads to, for the interpretation of the wording by its meaning is the clarification of what it leads to. And the origin of ta'wil is taken from al-awwal, which is returning.
"There is no ta'wil (figurative interpretation) for the people of knowledge and faith
At that time, interpretation is the explanation of what is intended and its disclosure *** and the clarification of its meaning to the minds"
This interpretation means exegesis, because the interpretation we mentioned as the root of the calamity is diverting the word from the stronger meaning to the weaker meaning. This is distortion. This is the interpretation that Ibn al-Qayyim invalidated, and the reality of the matter is that it is distortion. There is an interpretation that means exegesis, which is disclosing the meaning, clarifying it, and explaining it. This interpretation is correct. Therefore, he said:
"At that time, interpretation is the explanation of what is intended and its disclosure *** and the clarification of its meaning to the minds"
This is what the scholars, the people of knowledge and faith, use. For example, Ibn Jarir, who is the imam of the mufassirun (interpreters) by athar (reports from a Companion or successor), says when he speaks about the interpretation of a verse: "The statement regarding the ta'wil (figurative interpretation) of the saying of Allah the Exalted" such and such. "The statement regarding the ta'wil" means in the interpretation. It is called ta'wil because it is the clarification of what the wording leads to, for the interpretation of the wording by its meaning is the clarification of what it leads to. And the origin of ta'wil is taken from al-awwal, which is returning.