What is the basis for the exegetes' (mufassirun) specifying certain numbers and names in their interpretation of verses that deal with unseen matters, such as the verse: "Have you not seen those who left their homes, numbering in the thousands, for fear of death?"

The number mentioned in the exegesis of verse (243) of Surat al-Baqarah is not the statement of the exegetes, but rather among the sayings of the Salaf, such as Ibn Abbas and others, which range from four thousand to a few tens of thousands (thirty-odd thousand). The exegesis of the Quran through the sayings of the Companions holds importance, as they had a deeper understanding of the Quran and the circumstances surrounding it, possessing correct comprehension and abundant knowledge. However, Isra'iliyyat (Judeo-Christian traditions) are mentioned for evidentiary purposes, not for belief. They are divided into three categories: what is known to be true by what we possess (from Islamic texts), what is known to be false by what it contradicts, and what is left unmentioned, which is neither to be believed nor disbelieved. Often, there is no religious benefit in specifying what Allah has left ambiguous in the Quran, but transmitting the disagreement regarding it is permissible. Some Isra'iliyyat found in the Companions' exegeses might have been interpolated and not originally from their sayings.