Rational Interpretation and Interpretation by Opinion, Commonalities and Divergences

Abstract

Both rational interpretation and interpretation by opinion rely on human effort to understand the Holy Quran, employing reason to deduce meanings and rulings for which there is no explicit text. Both require the interpreter to have extensive knowledge of the Arabic language, the principles of jurisprudence, and the sciences of the Quran to ensure the validity of conclusions and avoid errors.

The fundamental difference lies in the methodology and controls. Rational interpretation is a disciplined and praiseworthy approach, relying on the systematic use of reason in accordance with the principles of Islamic law and language. It aims to uncover the secrets of the Quran and demonstrate its miraculous nature. It is a type of ijtihad that serves the Quranic text and does not contradict it.

As for interpretation by opinion, it has two aspects: praiseworthy and reprehensible. Praiseworthy interpretation by opinion is the same as rational interpretation and is based on scientific foundations. In contrast, reprehensible interpretation by opinion is interpreting the Quran based on whims and ignorance, where a person interprets verses in accordance with their personal opinion or preconceived beliefs without any legal or linguistic evidence. This type of interpretation is religiously unacceptable because it makes the Quran subservient to the interpreter's whims and desires, something warned against in prophetic hadiths such as, "Whoever speaks about the Quran based on his own opinion, let him take his seat in Hellfire." In short, rational interpretation is the use of reason to serve the Quran, while the reprehensible interpretation based on opinion is the use of the Quran to serve one's own opinion.