"He it is Who revealed to thee (Muhammad) the Book (the Qur'an) wherein there are clear revelations-these are the substance of the Book and others are allegorical (verses). And as for those who have a yearning for error they go after the allegorical verses seeking (to cause) dissension, by seeking to explain them. And none knows their implications but Allah, and those who are sound in knowledge say: We affirm our faith in everything which is from our Lord. It is only the persons of understanding who really heed" (Al-Qur'an 3:7). 'A'isha (further) reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said (in connection with these verses): When you see such verses, avoid them, for it is they whom Allah has pointed out (in the mentioned verses).
The Book of Knowledge - Sahih Muslim 2665
This noble verse from Surah Al-Imran establishes the fundamental distinction between the clear, definitive verses (muhkamat) and the allegorical verses (mutashabihat) in the Qur'an. The muhkamat form the foundation of Islamic law and creed, while the mutashabihat contain deeper meanings known ultimately only to Allah.
Scholarly Commentary on the Verse
The clear verses are those whose meanings are evident and require no interpretation, serving as the bedrock of Islamic legislation. The allegorical verses are those whose true meanings are known only to Allah, and they test the believers' faith.
Those with deviation in their hearts follow the allegorical verses seeking to create confusion and sectarianism through improper interpretation. The people of sound knowledge affirm their belief in all verses, recognizing that apparent contradictions are due to human limitation, not divine text.
Prophetic Guidance on Handling Allegorical Verses
The hadith from Mother 'A'isha demonstrates the Prophetic methodology: when encountering difficult verses whose meanings are not apparent, the believer should avoid delving into speculative interpretations that may lead to misguidance.
This teaching protects the community from theological innovation and preserves the unity of Muslims by directing them to focus on what is clear and established rather than disputing over what is ultimately known only to Allah.
Practical Application for Seekers of Knowledge
The proper approach is to believe in all verses while referring the ambiguous to the clear, trusting that any apparent contradiction stems from human understanding rather than the divine text itself.
This methodology preserves both intellectual humility and firm faith, recognizing that complete comprehension of Allah's speech is beyond human capacity, and what He has made clear is sufficient for guidance.