In-Depth Study of Ta’wil in the Qur’an

Ta’wil in the Qur’an refers to various instances: ambiguous verses, events (such as the ship, the wall, and the orphan in Surah Al-Kahf), dreams, or narrations. All of these instances possess the attribute of being descriptive of the actual state. For example, the ta’wil of the ambiguous verses in Surah Al-Imran points to their inner meanings, whereas the ta’wil of the ship in Surah Al-Kahf relates to the hidden reality of Khidr’s actions. This diversity renders ta’wil a multifaceted tool for understanding the Qur’an.

Key Point: The diversity of instances of ta’wil, from Qur’anic verses to events and dreams, reflects the comprehensiveness and flexibility of this concept in uncovering truth.

The Verse “Dhālika al-Kitāb” and the Comprehensiveness of the Qur’an

“Dhālika al-kitābu lā rayba fīhi hudan lil-muttaqīn” (Al-Baqarah: 2)
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the God-fearing.

This verse indicates the comprehensiveness of the Qur’an, which preserves its reality as a book from both its outward and inward readings. Ta’wil is a tool for uncovering the multiple levels of meaning within this book, without diminishing its truth. This perspective aligns with the theory of levels of recitation in mystical and philosophical exegesis.

Frequency of the Term Ta’wil in the Qur’an

We mentioned that the word ta’wil appears seventeen times in the Qur’an, four of which occur in Surah Al-Imran. All of these instances possess genuine applicability, but their logic differs due to the diversity of the instances (before or after occurrence, result or meaning). This analysis emphasizes both statistical and content-based precision in the study of Qur’anic vocabulary.

The instances of ta’wil, from ambiguous verses to events and dreams, demonstrate the expansiveness of this concept in the Qur’an. This diversity renders ta’wil a dynamic tool for understanding different layers of meaning and emphasizes the importance of case-specific study. We now turn to a study of key verses related to ta’wil.

Surah Al-Imran, Verse 7, and the Ta’wil of Ambiguous Verses

“Fa-ammā alladhīna fī qulūbihim zayghun fayattabiʿūna mā tashābaha minhu ibtighā al-fitnah wa-ibtighā ta’wīlih” (Al-Imran: 7)
As for those whose hearts deviate, they follow that which is ambiguous seeking discord and seeking its ta’wil.

This verse refers to those who, with ill intent, seek the ta’wil of ambiguous verses, whereas the true ta’wil is the inner reality of the verses, known only to God and the firmly grounded in knowledge. This presents ta’wil as a sensitive category requiring divine knowledge.

Key Point: The ta’wil of ambiguous verses is divine knowledge accessible only to God and the firmly grounded in knowledge, and arbitrary interpretations must be avoided.

Meaning of “Wa-mā yaʿlamu ta’wīlahu illā Allāh”

“Wa-mā yaʿlamu ta’wīlahu illā Allāh wa-ar-rāsikhūna fī al-ʿilm” (Al-Imran: 7)
And none knows its ta’wil except Allah and those firmly grounded in knowledge.

This part of the verse presents ta’wil as divine knowledge, known only to God and the firmly grounded in knowledge. This perspective aligns with Shiʿi interpretations regarding the knowledge of the infallible Imams and emphasizes the special status of true scholars.

Ta’wil in Surah An-Nisa

“Yā ayyuhā alladhīna āmanū aṭīʿū Allāh wa-aṭīʿū ar-rasūl wa-ūlī al-amr minkum fa-in tanāzaʿtum fī shay’in faruddūhu ilā Allāh wa-ar-rasūl” (An-Nisa: 59)
O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger.

This verse identifies referring matters to God and the Messenger as the best form of ta’wil, which is genuinely descriptive and not metaphorical. This referral represents a return to reality and the resolution of disputes, aligning with Shiʿi exegesis on authority and religious leadership.

Ta’wil in Surah Al-Isra

“Wa-ūfū al-kayla idhā kulltum wa-zinū bil-qisṭās al-mustaqīm dhālika khayrun wa-aḥsanu ta’wīlan” (Al-Isra: 35)
And when you measure, measure with justice and weigh with the correct balance. That is better and more suitable for ta’wil.

Here, ta’wil refers to resorting to the inner essence of fairness in measurement and weighing, yielding a more favorable outcome. This ta’wil is genuinely descriptive and manifests as an ethical and practical category in social conduct.

Ta’wil in Surah Al-Kahf

“Qāla hādhā firāqu baynī wa-baynika sa-unabbi’uka bi-ta’wīl mā lam tastaṭiʿ ʿalayhi ṣabrā” (Al-Kahf: 78)
He said: This is the separation between me and you. I will inform you of the ta’wil of that over which you could not have patience.

This verse refers to the ta’wil of Khidr’s actions (piercing the ship, raising the wall, and killing the child). Moses, due to limited practical wisdom, could not comprehend the inner reality of these actions. Ta’wil here is genuinely descriptive and aligns with mystical and philosophical discussions on practical and theoretical wisdom.

Key Point: The ta’wil of Khidr’s actions reveals their inner reality and highlights the distinction between practical and theoretical wisdom.

Key Qur’anic Verses from Al-Imran to Al-Kahf

These verses demonstrate the role of ta’wil in uncovering the inner meaning of verses, events, and actions. They present ta’wil as divine knowledge and as a tool for resolving disputes and understanding truth.

Ta’wil in Surah Yusuf and Disturbed Dreams

“Wa-ka-dhalika yajtabīka rabbuka wa-yuʿallimuka min ta’wīl al-aḥādīth” (Yusuf: 6)
Thus your Lord chooses you and teaches you from the ta’wil of narrations.

In Surah Yusuf, eight instances of ta’wil are mentioned, referring to the interpretation of dreams and narrations (events). Here, ta’wil is divine knowledge taught to Joseph to uncover the inner meaning of dreams and events. All these interpretations are genuine and descriptive of the actual state.

“Qālū aḍghāthu aḥlām wa-mā naḥnu bi-ta’wīl al-aḥlām bi-ʿālimīn” (Yusuf: 44)
They said: These are confused dreams, and we do not know the ta’wil of dreams.

This verse refers to the ignorance of some regarding the interpretation of dreams, while Joseph, with divine knowledge, revealed their inner meaning. Ta’wil here signifies a return to the reality of dreams and events.

Disturbed Dreams and Psychology

Disturbed dreams are considered the most suitable for uncovering psychological issues. These dreams reveal layers of the unconscious, and their interpretation relates to the science of psychology. This perspective underscores the necessity of developing Qur’anic sciences in interdisciplinary fields, where ta’wil serves as a tool for understanding psychological and physical issues.