Interpretation in the Qur’an: An Analytical and Philosophical Study

Key Point: Fragmented dreams, due to their revelation of unconscious layers, constitute a valuable tool for psychological analysis and understanding human issues. The Surah Yusuf, with its emphasis on the interpretation of narratives and dreams, demonstrates the special status of interpretation as a divine science. Fragmented dreams, in connection with psychology, open new horizons for understanding Qur’anic sciences.

Challenges and Approaches to Interpretation

Interpretation has a single meaning: turning to the inner essence. This perspective, by criticizing approaches that divide interpretation into multiple meanings, emphasizes its semantic unity. Although the instances of interpretation differ (such as prophecy, punishment, or meaning), its primary significance remains constant, and the notion of multiple interpretations is considered invalid.

The Challenge of Multiple Inner Meanings

One of the challenges raised is how a single verse can have multiple inner meanings. This issue was considered difficult by traditional scholars but is solvable. The proposed solution involves preserving the outward forms of the Qur’an and referring back to them to resolve issues. This analysis aligns with the theory of hierarchical meaning in mystical exegesis.

Key Point: The multiplicity of inner meanings in Qur’anic verses, when outward forms are preserved and the truth is referred to, constitutes a solvable challenge that underscores the comprehensiveness of the Qur’an.

The Necessity of Preserving the Outward Forms

The outward forms of the Qur’an are authoritative and cannot be neglected in favor of the inner meaning. This view, by criticizing approaches that underestimate the importance of outward forms, emphasizes the simultaneous preservation of both the outward and inner aspects. If the outward forms are ignored, the inner meaning loses validity, as the outward forms, like the string of a rosary, connect the Qur’anic meanings.

Key Point: The outward forms of the Qur’an, as a solid foundation, safeguard its inner truth, and neglecting them leads to the collapse of its meanings.

The challenges of interpretation, from multiple meanings to multiple inner layers, can be resolved by emphasizing semantic unity and preserving the outward forms. This underscores the necessity of balance between outward and inward understanding in comprehending the Qur’an.

Interpretation in the Qur’an, like a star in the sky of knowledge, guides the understanding of the essence of verses and phenomena. This concept, applied in seventeen instances in the Qur’an, consistently describes the actual state of the referent. Its diverse applications (from ambiguous verses to events and dreams) demonstrate the Qur’an’s comprehensiveness and flexibility. Traditional views, emphasizing authentic embodiment and rejecting metaphorical interpretations, pave the way for a deeper understanding of the Qur’an. Preserving the outward forms, like guarding a precious treasure, prevents any distortion or deviation. This study, through a systematic and refined analysis, provides a basis for further research on interpretation and the hierarchical meanings of the Qur’an.

Epistemological and Philosophical Examination of Interpretation

Up to this point, by exploring the concept of interpretation and Qur’anic exegesis from philosophical and mystical perspectives, we have addressed the distinction between the outward and inward layers of divine verses and phenomena. Here, the discussion focuses on the duality of “material aspect” and “indicative aspect,” employing Qur’anic verses to clarify these concepts more precisely.

Exegesis in the Qur’anic tradition refers to expressing the apparent meaning of divine verses accessible to the general public, limited to the literal and semantic levels. In contrast, interpretation reveals the inner, deeper meaning of verses through a specific path connected to their outward form, uncovering hidden layers of divine truth. This distinction is rooted in Qur’anic verses that ascribe interpretation to God and those firm in knowledge:

“None knows its interpretation except Allah and those firm in knowledge.” (Al-Imran: 7)

This verse indicates that interpretation, beyond apparent comprehension, requires profound insight and intuitive knowledge, available only to God and the steadfast in knowledge. Exegesis clarifies the outward meanings, whereas interpretation uncovers the underlying wisdom and purposes.

Key Point: Exegesis expresses the apparent meaning of verses understandable to all, while interpretation reveals the inner essence, necessitating deep insight and inner vision.

Central Question: What is the Inner Meaning in Interpretation?

When discussing interpretation as the revelation of the inner meaning of divine verses, a fundamental question arises: what is meant by “inner meaning”? Does it refer to the material aspect of a thing or verse, or its spiritual and moral reality? This question directs the discussion toward distinguishing material and spiritual dimensions, requiring precise clarification to illuminate the concept of interpretation.

To answer this, one must distinguish between two perspectives on things and verses: the material (intrinsic) and the spiritual (indicative). This distinction, related in Islamic philosophy to essential and accidental existence, indicates that the inner meaning in interpretation refers to the existential reality and divine purpose of a thing or verse, not merely its material aspect.

Interpretation in the Qur’an appears in multiple instances, including narratives, dreams, and outward actions that carry inner wisdom. For example, in the story of Al-Khidr in Surah Al-Kahf, interpretation reveals the inner purpose behind his actions:

“I will inform you of the interpretation of what you could not have patience over.” (Al-Kahf: 78)

Here, interpretation refers to the wisdom behind Al-Khidr’s act of piercing the boat, not its material aspect (wood or planks). The wisdom was to prevent confiscation by an oppressive king. Other examples include dreams (such as the dream of Joseph) and narratives, indicating the diversity of interpretation in understanding the inner dimension of phenomena.

Rejection of Material Interpretation

Interpretation is not limited to the material aspect of things or verses. For instance, in the story of Al-Khidr, interpreting the boat refers to the wisdom and intention behind the action, not its physical components. Similarly, in dreams, interpretation concerns the inner truth, not outward imagery. This demonstrates that interpretation uncovers divine purposes and spiritual truths.

Key Point: Interpretation refers to the spiritual inner essence and divine wisdom behind phenomena and actions, not their material aspect.

Two Facets in the Qur’an: Material and Indicative

The Qur’an has two facets:

• Material Facet: The physical aspect of the Qur’an, i.e., paper and ink, which materially is no different from other books.
• Indicative Facet: The spiritual and inner aspect of the Qur’an, which reveals divine truths.

Interpretation pertains to the indicative facet, i.e., understanding the inner meaning of verses as signs of divine reality, not their material aspect. For example, the physical paper and ink of the Qur’an differ materially from a regular letter, but viewed as divine verses, they indicate spiritual truths.

Philosophical Example: Primary and Common Reference

To clarify this distinction, we employ the philosophical terms “primary reference” and “common reference.” In primary reference, concepts (like human, God, or partner) are identical as mental entities. In common reference, these concepts point to different external referents: God to divine reality, human to a physical being, and partner to nonexistence. In Qur’anic interpretation, the indicative facet refers to external referents (divine realities), not merely mental concepts.

Key Point: Interpretation relates to the indicative inner meaning of the verses, i.e., divine truths, not the material inner aspect (paper and ink).

Mirror Analogy to Illustrate Indicative Aspect

To illustrate, consider a mirror: when you look into it, you see your reflection (indicative), not the glass or metal (material). Similarly, Qur’anic verses act as mirrors reflecting divine realities, not merely paper and ink. Reading the Qur’an as divine verses directs attention to their truth, not their material form.