rather, his aim is to interpret the verse in a way that prevents his opponent from citing it as evidence. Such people fall into various forms of distortion. Hence, some of them have permitted interpreting a verse contrary to the interpretation of the early generations, saying:

“If people differ over the interpretation of a verse, holding two views, those who come after them may introduce a third view—unlike when they differ over legal rulings, holding two views.”

This is mistaken. If they agree that the verse means either this or that, then claiming that its intended meaning lies outside these two views contradicts their consensus. Yet this is the approach of someone whose aim is to rebut an argument, not to discover the intended meaning. Otherwise, how could the Muslim community go astray in understanding the Quran, all of them understanding something other than its intended meaning, [and there come](1) later generations who understand what was intended? So much for this, and Allah knows best.

Section

His words, “Is one who stands upon clear evidence from his Lord,” as discussed above, are like His words:

“Say: I stand upon clear evidence from my Lord.”

And His words:

“Is one who stands upon clear evidence from his Lord like those whose evil deeds have been made appealing to them and who follow their own desires?”

And His words:

“Is one whose heart Allah has opened to Islam, so that he is upon light from his Lord.”

And His words:

“They are upon guidance from their Lord.”