Is it permissible to limit the understanding of the Quranic text to the Arabic language, such as understanding the apparent meaning of the verse "You were the best nation produced [for mankind]..." as a praise for the nation of Muhammad, without referring to exegesis?

Undoubtedly, knowledge of the Arabic language is essential for an exegete to understand the Quran, but it is not sufficient on its own. While understanding the Quran may sometimes be achieved through language alone, at other times it requires additional knowledge beyond it, because the linguistic meaning may not be the intended one in the verse. For example, in the verse: ﴿And do not ever pray over any of them who has died, nor stand by his grave﴾ [At-Tawbah: 84], "prayer" here refers to the "funeral prayer" and not merely supplication. This becomes clear from the reason for the revelation of the verse.

In summary, language is an important source of exegesis, but it cannot be relied upon solely for a complete and accurate understanding of the Quran.

Some verses of the Quran are clear in meaning simply by recitation, such as: ﴿Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One"﴾ [Al-Ikhlas: 1] and ﴿And establish prayer﴾ [Al-Baqarah: 43]. However, a Muslim should refer to books of exegesis, because people have drifted away from the Arabic language and the ways of Arabs in speech.

An example of this is the verse: ﴿You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind﴾ [Al-Imran: 110]. Its general meaning is that the Muhammadan nation is the best of nations and the most beneficial to people. From a linguistic perspective, the verse means "you are the best nation that has existed or been created," and it is general, encompassing everyone to whom the description in this nation applies. As for exegesis, scholars have mentioned different opinions regarding the meaning of the verse, including that it: "applies specifically to the Muhajireen among the Companions," and that it: "includes everyone who possesses the conditions described in the verse."

It becomes clear from the foregoing that language helps in understanding the Quran, along with the need to refer to other sources of exegesis, especially the sayings of the predecessors.