is one who fulfils what is obligatory and avoids what is forbidden, while “the foremost” is one who fulfils both what is obligatory and what is recommended, and avoids both what is forbidden and what is disliked.

Thus, according to the questioner’s needs, the respondent may say: “The one who wrongs himself” is someone who misses the prayer, does not perform ablution thoroughly, does not fully perform the prayer’s essential elements, or the like. “The moderate one” is someone who prays at the prescribed time as commanded. “The one foremost in good deeds” is someone who performs the prayer with its obligatory and recommended acts, together with the recommended voluntary prayers. He may give similar explanations concerning zakah, fasting, Hajj, and all other obligations.

It has been reported that Ibn ʿAbbās, may Allah be pleased with them both, said:

“Quranic interpretation is of four kinds: interpretation that the Arabs understand through their own language; interpretation that no one is excused for not knowing; interpretation known to scholars; and interpretation known only to Allah. Whoever claims knowledge of the last is a liar.”

The Companions received both the wording and the meaning of the Quran from the Messenger, just as they received the Sunnah from him. Just as some people altered the Sunnah, some altered certain meanings of the Quran, since they could not alter its wording.

Furthermore, some meanings of the Quran may escape certain scholars, just as some of the Sunnah may escape them. This is one source of error among scholars exercising independent judgment. And Allah knows best.