is the way of the early generations, and because it is safer, more absolving of responsibility, and firmer in worship and compliance.

Definition of the Interpreted Sense
Linguistically, al-muʾawwal derives from the root awl, which means “to return.” Technically, it is a text whose wording is taken to a less-likely meaning.
Our phrase “to a less-likely meaning” excludes both the explicit text (naṣṣ), for it can bear only one meaning, and the apparent text (ẓāhir), for it is carried to the more-likely meaning.

Interpretation is of two kinds: sound and acceptable, or unsound and rejected.

1. Sound interpretation is that which rests on reliable evidence, such as interpreting the verse “and ask the town” to mean “ask the people of the town,” for one obviously cannot pose a question to a town itself.
2. Unsound interpretation is that for which no sound evidence exists, such as the claim of the negators that the verse “The All-Merciful rose over the Throne” (20:5) means “took possession.” The correct view is that its meaning is exaltation and establishment, without inquiring into the modality and without likening Him to His creation.