These sentences contain a touch of sajʿ (rhymed prose), and when sajʿ is not contrived it undoubtedly beautifies speech and makes it pleasing to the soul. For this reason it is found on occasion in the speech of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, yet always without affectation.
The author says, “And anything other than that”—meaning anything apart from an authenticated transmission from an infallible source or a statement supported by a known proof—“is either counterfeit and therefore to be rejected,” which stands opposed to the authenticated report, “or it is left in abeyance, its status unknown, whether it is debased or sound.” In other words, we suspend judgment with respect to it.
Accordingly, the material falls into three categories:
- What is known to be sound—this is the first.
- What is known to be false—this is the second.
- What must remain undecided—this is the third. Concerning this last, we do not know whether it is an authenticated report from an infallible authority, a statement resting on an established proof, or a forged piece that deserves rejection. Since we have no firm knowledge either way, we neither affirm nor deny it outright. The first category is accepted, the second rejected, and for the third we withhold judgment.
Al-bahraj refers to something adulterated; bahraj coins of gold or silver are those that have been debased, whereas manqūdah coins are those free from any adulteration.
The ummah’s need to comprehend the Qur’an is pressing indeed. It is the firm rope of Allah, the wise reminder, the straight path: whims cannot cause one to stray while holding fast to it; tongues cannot become confused by it; repeated recitation never wears it out, and its wonders will never cease.
Explanation
Here the author—may Allah have mercy on him—states that people are in need of understanding the Book