Is it possible to derive all the fundamental principles of religion from the Qur’an and the Sunnah without the scholarly interpretation of the 'Ulama? Are the Qur’an and the Sunnah alone Allah’s conclusive proof against His servants? And is there a difference between the two in this regard?

It is not possible to answer the question about the "foundations of religion" until there is an agreement on what they entail. However, in general, all the foundations of religion are clarified in the Qur’an and Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not depart to the Most High Companion until after the religion was completed and perfected, as Allah Almighty says: "This day I have perfected for you your religion" (Al-Ma'idah: 3).

The clarification of the foundations of religion is of two types: 1. The clear and manifest: That which everyone understands, and no one is excused for being ignorant of it. 2. That which is confusing to some: That which only the people of knowledge comprehend, such as the ambiguous verses whose interpretation is known only to Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge.

Ibn Abbas divided the interpretation of the Qur’an into four aspects: 1. What the Arabs understand from their language. 2. What no one is excused for being ignorant of (known by necessity). 3. What the scholars know. 4. What only Allah Almighty knows.

Some texts of revelation cannot be properly understood except by referring to the scholars firmly rooted in knowledge, which Al-Zarkashi calls "that which refers to the ijtihad (independent reasoning) of scholars," where the interpreter transmits and the exegete deduces rulings and clarifies what is general.

There is no difference in this principle between the Qur’an and the Sunnah; in both, the common person needs to refer to the people of knowledge to understand them and know their implications and rulings.