قرآن و حدیث کی تشریح کا معیار

THE STANDARD FOR INTERPRETING THE QUR'AN AND HADITH

Abstract

The language of the Qur'an and Hadith is Arabic, and one of Arabic’s distinctive features is that a single word can convey multiple meanings. This linguistic richness interprets a nuanced and often complex task. For instance, the word Salah (prayer) may refer to general supplication, but it also explicitly denotes the ritual worship performed at prescribed times. Sawm (fasting) is used in the Qur'an to indicate silence, yet it also refers to abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations during designated hours. Likewise, Zakat means purification, but it also refers to the obligatory act of giving a fixed portion of one’s wealth in charity after a lunar year.

Other terms, such as Jihad and Hajj, also possess multiple meanings, their interpretations varying depending on the context. This raises an essential question: how do we determine which meaning is intended in a particular verse or hadith? There must be a recognized standard or principle of interpretation. Without such a standard, anyone could impose meanings based solely on dictionary definitions—a practice that, regrettably, has become increasingly common. Some individuals, including scholars, interpret the Qur'an and Sunnah in ways that reflect personal inclination, even when such interpretations conflict with the consensus of the majority of scholars, commentators, and hadith authorities throughout Islamic history.

In such cases, is it acceptable for an individual to adopt an interpretation that contradicts the established scholarly consensus? Certainly not. When a word allows for multiple meanings, we must prioritize the one supported by contextual evidence, sound scholarly methodology, and—most importantly—the consensus (ijma‘) of the ummah. Even when a Qur'anic verse or hadith appears to suggest an alternative meaning, the consensus of the ummah must take precedence.