Refuting the allegation that any person has the right to interpret the Qur'an

A: It is not permissible to give Tafsir except by the scholars who are well versed in the methodology of Tafsir. It is not permissible to give Tafsir of the Qur'an based on ignorance and inclinations. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever interprets the Qur'an without knowledge, let him assume his seat in Hellfire. (Related by Al-Tirmidhy) Only the scholars can comprehend these texts, and no one should depend on their own understanding while they lack the required knowledge, as this would be saying things about Allah without knowledge, which Allah regards as more grievous than Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship). Allah (Exalted be He) says: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): "(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawâhish (great evil sins and every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allâh for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allâh of which you have no knowledge." (Part No. 3; Page No. 10) As for Ayat-ul-Kursy and the Ayahs that speak about the Throne and the Hand, these are issues of `Aqidah (creed) that are not open to Ijtihad (juristic effort to infer expert legal rulings). They should be accepted and confirmed as they are without Ta'wil (allegorical interpretation). The Mutashabihat are the general and absolute Ayahs, while the Muhkamat are those that explain in detail and specify them. As for "the firmly grounded in knowledge," they are scholars who are specialists in the science of Shari`ah (Islamic law) and in understanding the Nas (Islamic text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah).May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.