Methods of Interpretation
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical approach to interpreting the Holy Quran focuses on highlighting its eloquence, the coherence between its terms and phrases, as well as the variations in meaning of specific terms depending on their context. It involves selecting the appropriate meaning for each term, illustrating the wisdom of God in the arrangement of words—whether through specificity or generality—as well as elucidating the meanings of letters and other stylistic devices present in the Quran that showcase its miraculous nature and rhetorical brilliance. This method plays a crucial role in defending the Quran against doubts and demonstrates the grandeur of its selection of sublime terminology by God Almighty. The study of rhetoric aids interpreters in comprehending the intentions behind Quranic verses and enables them to support their interpretations and weigh differing opinions among scholars. Consequently, this style of interpretation has a profound impact on the soul, unveiling the exquisite meanings of the Quran, which encourages reflection and engagement with its messages.
Purpose-Driven Interpretation
This type of interpretation aims to clarify the intentions behind the sacred verses, their evidence, consequences, guidance, and alignment with the broader aims of the Quran. It highlights the Quran’s magnificence, its significance, and the necessity of understanding it. For instance, the purpose-driven approach often analyzes the conditions of the recipients of the verses, the implications of their actions, and the reasons for success or failure. Additionally, it elucidates the attributes by which God describes His Book; as one filled with healing, precision, justice, blessings, and greatness.
This method is grounded in the interpreter’s knowledge of the principles of faith, the beliefs of the Sunnah, Islamic jurisprudence, and the points of contention between prophets and their opposers, among other disciplines. Such knowledge enables interpreters to grasp the general aims of the Quran and comprehend the meanings and implications of the verses as well as the situations of their recipients. Moreover, the purpose-driven interpretation reveals the wisdom behind God’s regulations concerning worship, the rewards for fulfilling these obligations, and the consequences of neglecting them. While some verses may appear straightforward, the insights gained through this type of interpretation can make a reader feel as though they are encountering such verses for the first time.
Analytical Interpretation
In linguistic terms, analysis refers to the act of opening and resolving. In religious terminology, analytical interpretation is a comprehensive explanation of the meanings of the Quranic verses. Most interpretations rely on this analytical framework, wherein the interpreter elucidates the context of the verse’s revelation, clarifies its concepts, analyzes its grammatical structure, discusses its subject matter, and examines its connections to other verses, relevant hadiths, and the comments of companions and successors based on authentic chains of narration. Notable examples of such interpretations include the works of Ibn Ataiyyah, Al-Shawkani, Al-Alusi, Al-Tabari, Al-Zamakhshari, and Al-Razi.
General Interpretation
In this type of interpretation, the interpreter provides only the general meaning of the verse or verses without delving into related details such as grammatical analysis and eloquence. Therefore, general interpretation is designed for the layperson, helping as many individuals as possible to comprehend the Holy Quran. An interpreter often supports their explanations with references to other verses, prophetic traditions, historical accounts, poetry, and proverbs. However, some general interpretation texts deviate from this approach and include detailed analyses of individual verses, as seen in the works of Jalal ad-Din al-Mahalli and Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti in their joint commentary, which lightly touches on grammar and highlights certain aspects of readings that may not be easily understood except by knowledgeable individuals. Examples of general interpretations include the explanatory Quran by Muhammad Wajdi, the intermediate interpretation published by the Islamic Research Academy, the modern interpretation by Muhammad Darwaza, and the clear interpretation by Muhammad Hegazi, which may reach three times the size of the Quran itself.
Comparative Interpretation
In comparative interpretation, the interpreter presents two or more viewpoints concerning a specific verse, assessing and favoring one over the others based on their judgment. The interpreter studies different interpretations, extracting opinions, methodologies, and styles, before beginning the comparative process, identifying the repeated and novel elements, and determining the strengths and weaknesses. A prime example of this approach is found in the interpretation of Al-Tabari, who presents the views of various interpreters and weighs them accordingly.
Thematic Interpretation
Thematic interpretation seeks to clarify the meanings of verses related to a specific subject by gathering the relevant verses. This category examines the interpretation of a particular word, phrase, or theme throughout the entire Quran. For example, it may explore the attributes of the servants of the Most Merciful or analyze social ethics presented in a single chapter of the Quran, such as Surah Al-Hujurat. An interpreter may focus on a single term and analyze its meanings across different contexts, like the term “nation” mentioned in the Quran.
This type of interpretation highlights the comprehensiveness of Islam and its richness compared to man-made approaches. The interpreter begins by selecting the topic of interest and gathering all relevant verses without omission, arranging them chronologically as closely as possible according to their revelation. This process incorporates knowledge of the reasons for revelation, prophetic traditions, and early scholarly opinions while clarifying the relevance of each verse. The interpreter carefully studies and analyzes these verses by considering absolute and conditional statements, general and specific contexts, as well as abrogation to compile a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
This form of interpretation has emerged in modern times among contemporary interpreters, as it was not prevalent in earlier historical contexts. Examples of thematic works include “The Message of the Nation in Its Arabic and Quranic Implications” by Ahmad Farhat and “Patience in the Quran” by Yusuf al-Qaradawi, along with studies on specific topics, such as “The Jewish Character as Reflected in the Quran – History, Characteristics, and Destiny.”
Scientific Reporting Style
The scientific reporting style serves as the foundational method in interpretation, often utilized in most scholarly works and texts. This style is essential for students of knowledge in their studies and understanding. The interpreter presents each verse academically, requiring a comprehensive grasp of all necessary tools and sciences, as the interpretation is directed toward scholars. The interpreter should be familiar with scholarly opinions, comprehending and accurately conveying them. The issues addressed in this style vary, encompassing the reading of the verse, its intent, reasons for its revelation, the meanings of words and structures, as well as identifying obscure elements, clarifying the ambiguous, and specifying broader concepts. Furthermore, they present doctrinal matters referenced in the verses.
It is vital for the interpreter to be knowledgeable about all sciences relevant to their interpretation. For instance, if they wish to investigate a verse related to a doctrinal issue, they should understand the beliefs of the Sunnah as well as those of opposing viewpoints. Similarly, if examining the opinions of predecessors, they should compile all relevant commentary while distinguishing between sound and unsound opinions. The manner of presenting scholarly material may differ from one interpreter to another or vary within the same interpreter’s works. Some interpreters may prioritize presenting the strongest opinion on a verse first, followed by alternative opinions, while others may take the opposite approach, among other various styles unique to each interpreter within this method.
Advisory Style
The advisory style is among the most beneficial and impactful approaches, provided it stems from knowledge and understanding. It seeks to guide and remind listeners of God’s verses and encourage their pursuit of good deeds. As Allah Almighty states, “And remember the favor of Allah upon you and what has been revealed to you of the Book and Wisdom by which He instructs you.” However, the advisory approach rooted in ignorance is denounced in Islam, even if it yields results for some people. The advisor must select an approach suited to the audience, for the counsel provided to an educated individual who is aware of their wrongdoings will differ from that given to someone who publicly sins without fear. The advisor also strives to balance their use of various approaches, maintaining an equilibrium between encouragement and deterrence.
Those who engage in religious advising can be categorized into several types. Some speak with knowledge, adhering to proper methodologies based on elucidating the meanings of the Quran and following its teachings, such as Ibn Taymiyya and Al-Sa’di. Others, while having a significant influence on the general populace, may inadvertently incorporate unfounded claims due to deficiencies in their level of knowledge. There are also those who possess sufficient scholarly aptitude yet lack effective advisory skills, resulting in limited influence on their audience.
Deductive and Argumentative Style
The deductive style focuses on deriving legal rulings, teachings, and lessons from the Quranic verses. A key facet of this method is the emphasis on inference, extraction, and logical reasoning. Some interpreters may extract a single principle, while others may uncover numerous insights. The goal of this style is to benefit from legal interpretations and illustrate the flexibility of Quranic language. This method enhances the interpreter’s ability to develop and refine their skills in inference while utilizing scholarly tools to derive conclusions, establish opinions, critique them, and clarify their justifications. The argumentative style, which revolves around evidence and reasoning, is primarily employed in defending Islamic law and countering critiques. Here, the interpreter must possess a deep understanding of opposing views and be equipped with effective rebuttal strategies. Those who excel in this style and uphold its ethical norms are regarded among those who strive in the Quranic discourse.
The Importance of Interpretation
Allah Almighty revealed the Quran so that humanity could understand, reflect upon, and apply its teachings with awareness and insight. This objective is achieved through the science of interpretation. Allah commanded His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) to elucidate the Quran and convey its meanings, stating, “And We have sent down to you the Reminder that you may make clear to the people what was sent down to them and that perhaps they will give thought.” The companions frequently consulted him about ambiguities, and he clarified them accordingly. Iyad ibn Muawiya compared one who reads the Quran without understanding it to a person possessing a book by night without a lamp to illuminate its contents, leading to confusion until a light is finally present. Furthermore, Al-Suyuti emphasized the nobility of the science of interpretation by referencing the verse: “He gives wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good,” where wisdom is understood as knowledge of the Quran.
The study of interpretation is among the foremost sciences that a Muslim should pursue, as it leads to a deeper understanding of Allah’s verses, thereby strengthening one’s faith and comprehension of the primary source of Islamic legislation—the Quran. This emphasis on comprehension began from the moment the Quran was first revealed. When the Angel Gabriel brought the Quran to Prophet Muhammad, the Prophet hastened to memorize it, fearing that he might forget something. Thus, divine instruction was revealed: “Do not hasten with it, O Muhammad, to recite it. Indeed, upon Us is its collection and recitation. And when We have recited it, follow its recitation. Then, upon Us is its clarification.”