What is the difference between the clear (muhkam) and the ambiguous (mutashabih) in the Qur'an?
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Question:
We ask you to give us a comprehensive explanation of the difference between the clear (muhkam) and the ambiguous (mutashabih) in the Noble Qur'an.
Answer:
The best that has been said on this matter is: the clear (muhkam) is that whose meaning is clear, and the ambiguous (mutashabih) is that whose meaning is hidden from the scholar. It is obligatory to refer the doubtful to the clear, and not to interpret it with anything that contradicts the clear, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih Muslim 2665.
Therefore, it is obligatory to refer the ambiguous to the clear. The clear in the Qur'an is that whose meaning is clear, such as the verses of prayer, what Allah has forbidden of the forbidden things, and others. What is ambiguous in meaning is referred to the clear and interpreted by the clear. It is never permissible to interpret it in contradiction to the clear, because the Qur'an does not contradict itself; rather, some of it confirms some of it, and some of it resembles some of it.
Therefore, it is obligatory for the people of knowledge to refer what is ambiguous to them to what is clear to them from the clear verses. And so it is with what came in the Sunnah: referring to the clear.
We ask you to give us a comprehensive explanation of the difference between the clear (muhkam) and the ambiguous (mutashabih) in the Noble Qur'an.
Answer:
The best that has been said on this matter is: the clear (muhkam) is that whose meaning is clear, and the ambiguous (mutashabih) is that whose meaning is hidden from the scholar. It is obligatory to refer the doubtful to the clear, and not to interpret it with anything that contradicts the clear, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
When you see such verses, avoid them, for it is they whom Allah has pointed out (in the mentioned verses).
إذا رأيتُم الذين يتَّبعون ما تشابه منه فأولئك الذين سمَّى الله فاحذروهمTherefore, it is obligatory to refer the ambiguous to the clear. The clear in the Qur'an is that whose meaning is clear, such as the verses of prayer, what Allah has forbidden of the forbidden things, and others. What is ambiguous in meaning is referred to the clear and interpreted by the clear. It is never permissible to interpret it in contradiction to the clear, because the Qur'an does not contradict itself; rather, some of it confirms some of it, and some of it resembles some of it.
Therefore, it is obligatory for the people of knowledge to refer what is ambiguous to them to what is clear to them from the clear verses. And so it is with what came in the Sunnah: referring to the clear.
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.