Section: Interpreting the Qur’an by the Qur’an, by the Sunnah, and by the Statements of the Companions

If someone were to ask, “What are the most excellent methods of exegesis?” the answer is:

The soundest approach is to explain the Qur’an by means of the Qur’an itself. Whatever is left succinct in one place is clarified elsewhere, and whatever is abbreviated in one passage is expanded in another. If that still leaves you uncertain, then turn to the Sunnah, for it elucidates and makes plain the Qur’an. Indeed, Imam Abū ʿAbd Allāh Muḥammad ibn Idrīs al-Shāfiʿī said, “Everything upon which the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave judgment comes from what he understood of the Qur’an.”

Allah, exalted is He, says, “We have sent down to you the Book in truth so that you may judge between people by what Allah has shown you; and do not be an advocate for those who betray trust” (al-Nisāʾ 4:105). He also says, “And We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may make clear to the people what has been sent down to them, and that they might reflect” (al-Naḥl 16:44). And He says, “We have not sent down to you the Book except that you may make clear…” (16:64).