Understanding Usul Al-Fiqh by Abu Tariq Hilal - Abu Ismael al-Beirawi

The Qur‟an is composed of Ayat which are Muhkamaat (clearcut) and Ayat which are Mutashaabihaat (ambiguous), due to the saying of Allah (swt):

“In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book; and others not entirely clear.” (TMQ Al-Imran: 7)

As for the Muhkam (clear) part, it is the text whose meaning is apparent and clear such that it precludes the possibility of having any other meaning, i.e. its indication is explicit and not open to interpretation. Such as the saying of Allah (swt):

“Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba (usury).” (TMQ Al-Baqarah: 275)

“Cut off (from the wrist joint) the (right) hand of the thief, male or female.” (TMQ Al-Ma‟ida: 38)

“And there is (a saving of) life for you in Al-Qisas (the Law of Equality in punishment), O men of understanding.” (TMQ Al-Baqarah: 179)

As for the Mutashaabih (ambiguous) part, it is the opposite of Muhkam. It is the text which is open to more than one meaning. It is open to a number of conflicting meanings. For example:

“And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for three menstrual periods.” (TMQ Al-Baqarah: 228)

“Unless they (the women) agree to forego it, or he (the husband), in whose hands is the marriage tie.” (TMQ Al-Baqarah: 237)

“Or you have been in contact with women.” (TMQ Al-Ma‟ida: 6)

“And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will abide forever.” (TMQ Ar-Rahman: 27)

“For verily, you are under Our Eyes.” (TMQ At-Tur: 48)

He (swt) also said:

“From Our Handiwork” (TMQ Ya-Seen: 71)

And other such examples, whose wording have a number of conflicting meanings cannot be reconciled. Rather they need a linguistic Qareenah (indication), which would specify one of the meanings. It might also have an apparent meaning that implies anthropomorphisation of Allah (swt), a matter that is not possible, either rationally or by Shar‟a, for the word to indicate. So, it needs a linguistic or Shar‟i Qareenah (indication) to determine the intended meaning.