it would be impossible to refer disputes to him. The Companions, those who followed them in righteousness, and all the leading scholars of the religion agreed that the Sunnah explains and clarifies the Quran, indicates its meaning, and sets out in detail what it expresses in general terms. It elucidates the Quran’s undetailed statements, whether commands or reports.

Allah, Most High, said:

“Mankind was one community; then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners,” up to His words: “concerning that over which they differed.”

Among the gravest disagreements are those concerning matters of belief conveyed through revelation about Allah and the Last Day. The Book must therefore judge between people concerning their disagreements over these matters. It could not serve as a judge if its meaning could not be known. Allah has provided evidence pointing to its meaning. Otherwise, a judge who explains what is in his mind passes no judgment at all. Likewise, if it is said that He judges by the Book, His judgment is decisive, distinguishing truth from falsehood; and this can only be achieved through clarification. Allah, Most High, said of the Quran:

“Indeed, it is a decisive word.”

That is, it distinguishes truth from falsehood. How, then, could it be decisive if there were no way to know its meaning?

Furthermore, Allah said:

“And among them are unlettered people who know nothing of the Scripture beyond its recitation; they do nothing but conjecture.”

He censured those who know nothing of the Book beyond its recitation, just as He censured those who distort its meaning and speak falsely. Allah, Most High, said:

“Do you then hope that they will believe you, when a group of them used to hear the words of Allah and then distort them after