What is the criterion for accepting an interpretation of a Quranic verse to distinguish an acceptable interpretation from others?
For interpreting the Noble Qur’an, there are principles that must be observed, among them: that the interpretation does not contradict the clear-cut texts, that it is amenable to the Arabic language, that it aligns with the context of the verse, and that it does not contradict the understanding of the righteous predecessors (Salaf Sālih).
Among the beneficial books on the principles of are: "Muqaddimah fi Usul al-Tafsir" by Ibn Taymiyyah, "Fusul fi Usul al-Tafsir" by Musā'id al-Tayyār, and "Qawa'id al-Tafsir" by Khalid al-Sabt.
To understand the meanings of the Qur’an, it is recommended to start with books on the unique words of the Qur’an (Gharīb al-Qur’an) such as "Al-Sirāj fi Gharīb al-Qur’an" by Muhammad al-Khudairi, then "Al-Mufradāt fi Gharīb al-Qur’an" by al-Rāghib al-Isfahānī.
Then, one should read easy Tafsirs such as "Al-Mukhtasar fi al-Tafsir" or "Al-Tafsir al-Muyassar," then move on to "Tafsir al-Sa'di" and "Tafsir Ibn Kathir."
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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