What are the best ranks among scholars, are they for the exegete or the jurist, and what are the conditions for an exegete?

The best of sciences is the knowledge of Allah Almighty and His names and attributes, known as Aqidah (creed) or Al-Fiqh Al-Akbar (the greater jurisprudence), due to the honor of its subject matter and its effect in rectifying the foundation. This is followed by the knowledge of His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, then the knowledge of His commands, prohibitions, and laws. Whoever combines these sciences is a رباني (Rabbani) scholar (a devout scholar who teaches by nurturing). Tafsir (Qur’anic exegesis) is the noblest of sciences because it pertains to the word of Allah and combines knowledge of Allah with knowledge of His commands. Jurisprudence in religion and knowledge of rulings is a great virtue, as Allah Almighty says: (فَلَوْلَا نَفَرَ مِنْ كُلِّ فِرْقَةٍ مِنْهُمْ طَائِفَةٌ لِيَتَفَقَّهُوا فِي الدِّينِ) “And why should not a party from every division of them [go forth to] obtain understanding in religion” and His saying, peace and blessings be upon him: (مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ) “Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants him understanding in religion.” Opposition between these sciences is not the concern of the discerning person; rather, one should seek what they need for their religion, worship, and creed, then seek more according to Allah's facilitation. The exegete is required to have a sound creed, be free from whims, and interpret the Qur’an with the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the sayings of the Companions and the Tabi‘in. They must also be knowledgeable in the Arabic language, the fundamental sciences related to the Qur’an, and the science of Tawhid (monotheism), along with precise understanding.