Section: Interpreting the Quran by means of the Quran, and interpreting it by the Sunnah and the statements of the Companions

If someone asks, “What is the best method of exegesis?” the answer is that the most reliable way is to interpret the Quran with the Quran itself. Whatever is expressed concisely in one passage is explained in detail elsewhere, and whatever is abbreviated in one place is elaborated in another.

Should that still leave you uncertain, then turn to the Sunnah, for it elucidates and clarifies the Quran. Imam Abu ʿAbd Allah Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafiʿi said: “Everything the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) ruled upon was based on what he understood from the Quran.” Allah the Exalted says, “We have sent down to you the Book with the truth so that you may judge between the people by what Allah has shown you; and do not be an advocate for those who betray trust” (al-Nisaʾ 4:105). He also says, “We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may make clear to mankind what has been revealed to them, so that they might reflect” (al-Nahl 16:44), and, “We have sent down the Book to you only so that you may make clear to them the matters over which they differ, and as guidance and mercy for a people who believe” (al-Nahl 16:64).

For this reason the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Indeed, I have been given the Book and something comparable to it along with it.”(1) He meant the Sunnah, which likewise comes to him by revelation, though it is not recited in the same manner as the Quran.