Expressing different views in regards to the Quraan Sharif
Question:-
A number of individuals have started a group where a verse of the Quraan Sharif is quoted, and each member of the group then expresses his understanding of the verse. What is the position of such a group in the light of Quraan and Sunnah?
Answer:-
The Quraan Sharif is the Kitaab of Allah Taála containing the message of Allah Ta’ala to the Muslim Ummah. The explanation of the Quraan Sharif is referred to as the ‘Tafseer’ and has been provided by none other than Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Sahaaba heard the ‘Tafseer’ directly from Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam and thereafter acted upon the injunctions and teachings of the Quraan Sharif.
The Sahaaba, in turn, propagated it to the Tabi’een, who then passed it onto the Tabe-Tabi’een until the explanation reached us. Never in the history of Islam did any scholar mention a verse of the Quraan Sharif and request his audience to comment or provide his opinion. It has always been the duty of the true scholars (that acquired their knowledge from reliable sources) to impart discourses (Tafseer) on the Quraan Sharif, and the masses acted on their advices. That was it!
The same methodology is applicable in this day and age as well. The scholars should explain the subject matter of the Quraan Sharif and the masses should simply act on their advices.
In conclusion, we do not agree with the methodology in question, as unlearned individuals are expressing their opinions and views in regards to the Quraan Sharif, which is indeed an extremely dangerous practice. Also, many a times these discussions lead to disputes, arguments and debates. Now, we end up with two groups, or two individuals, debating without possessing the relevant knowledge of Deen, which again, is a dangerous practice. We therefore advise that the above methodology be discarded.