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Should a later scientific interpretation of the Qur’an be rejected if it contradicts the interpretation of the Salaf?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

If later scholars interpret a verse with an explanation not discussed by earlier scholars, and it does not contradict them, then it is accepted, similar to interpreting cosmic verses in light of modern scientific findings. However, if it clearly contradicts what the early Muslims (Salaf) believed, such as interpreting "Istiwā" (God's 'settling' or 'ascending' over the Throne) as "Istīlā'" (seizing or conquering), then it must be rejected and is not permissible to accept.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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