What is the difference between the rules of the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Usul al-Fiqh) and the rules of Qur'anic exegesis (Tafsir)?
The rules of the fundamentals of Tafsir (exegesis) are the comprehensive and regulated principles that the exegete uses in their interpretation, such as the rule: "If a verse can bear multiple correct meanings, then it must be interpreted to encompass all of them," and the rule: "If the interpretation of the Qur'an is known from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, then there is no need for any other saying," and the rule: "The saying of the Companions takes precedence over others in Tafsir."
These rules differ from the Usuli (jurisprudential) rules that focus on the connotations of words, such as: "The default in a prohibition is prohibition (haram)," and from the Fiqhi (legal) rules that concern the actions of the legally accountable, such as: "Certainty is not removed by doubt."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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