What are the guidelines for interpreting the Qur’an, and is it permissible to understand verses with a new understanding that was not held by the Salaf, as long as it does not lead to prohibiting what is lawful or permitting what is unlawful, or to reinterpreting the divine attributes, such as linking them to psychology and supporting positive thinking?

Interpretation has rules and regulations established by scholars. The soundest interpretations are those based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, then on the sayings of the Companions, then the Successors, and then on the Arabic language.

For the one contemplating the Qur’an, there are four approaches: narration from the Messenger (peace be upon him), adopting the saying of a Companion, relying on the absolute meaning of the language, and considering what the discourse entails and what the law of Shari'ah indicates.

Whoever interprets the Qur’an through their own ijtihad (independent reasoning) while adhering to these approaches, their interpretation is permissible and commendable. But whoever deviates from them, their interpretation is flawed and reprehensible.

Permissible interpretation based on opinion must rely on what is narrated from the Messenger and the Companions, and its proponent must be knowledgeable of the rules of language and Shari'ah.

One must avoid presumptuously clarifying God's intent out of ignorance, interpreting God's words according to corrupt doctrines, delving into matters God has reserved for His knowledge, asserting God's intent without proof, and following whims and personal preferences.

There is no sin upon one who interprets a verse in a way that demonstrates scientific inimitability.

It is not permissible for an unlearned person to speak about the Book of God based on their mere opinion. For whoever speaks about the Qur’an without knowledge, let him prepare his seat in the Fire. And whoever speaks about the Qur’an based on his opinion and gets it right, has still erred; because he delved into the Book of God with conjecture and guesswork without fulfilling the necessary conditions.