What is interpretation (tawil)?

Ta’wil (allegorical interpretation) is the act of diverting a word from its apparent meaning to a less probable one due to the existence of evidence that makes it more probable. Correct ta’wil is acceptable and actionable, provided that it conforms to language and custom, that there is evidence for the intended meaning, and that the interpreter (mutawwil) is qualified for it. It differs from tafsir (exegesis) and bayan (explanation), and it relies on the interpreter’s ijtihad (independent reasoning).