7. It is He Who revealed to you this Scripture. In it are verses, which are clear. They are the substance of the Book (8), and others are those in the meaning of which there is doubt (9). As for those whose hearts are perverted, they will follow that of which is doubtful. They are those who seek to mislead, maintaining their own viewpoint of it, and its right interpretation (10) is known to Allah alone (11). And those who are firm in knowledge say: "We believe in it. All (of it) is from our Lord" (12). And none has the grasp of the same, to the best except those who perfectly understand (13).
8. By Substance of the Book' is meant that these verses are the origin of Islamic Code (SHARIAH) and these are the verses which are cited as proof in respect of theological issues. Action too is based on these.
9. By "those in the meaning of which there is doubt" is meant either one does not understand their meaning like the MUQATTIAT - 'verses in short metre' or that their literal meaning cannot be correctly defined like the verses of Attributes.
10. From this it is hinted that interpretation of these ambiguous verses to cause mischief is totally prohibited, but is permissible if done to remove mischief e.g. some learned scholars interpret these verses emphatically, to protect the layman from being misguided by these mischief mongers. Such interpretation will not be regarded as sinful.
11. By this is meant that it is Allah Almighty who taught its interpretation to His Beloved Prophet Says Allah Almighty. "The Most Affectionate. Taught the QUR'AAN". (S 55: VI-2). It is an absolute fact that Allah Almighty Himself taught the entire QUR'AAN to His Beloved Prophet which included the ambiguous verses. Thus if the Holy Prophet was not given the full knowledge of this ambiguous verses then their revelation would have been a futile act. It would be just like conversing in Arabic with someone who only knows Urdu as he will not understand anything of it. The Truth of the matter is that these ambiguous verses are a divine secret between Allah Almighty and His Prophet through whom some of the Saints and chosen scholars have been blessed with their true interpretation.
12. It is evident from this verse that an educationally mature learned person is he who will not claim to know an issue about which he has no knowledge. We also learn that it is permissible to have collective faith e.g. to have faith in all the Prophets collectively without knowing their exact number. Furthermore, whether one understands or not, it is compulsory to accept and act upon all Islamic Laws. Medicine will always prove beneficial whether we understand or don't understand their chemical composition. Likewise, the QUR'AAN will benefit the general Muslims even though they may not understand Arabic,and recite without understanding its translation. If understanding its translation was an absolute pre-requisite, then the ambiguous verses would not have been revealed.
13. From this we learn that at certain places it is an act of worship and a reward to remain ignorant as well as not making an effort to acquire its knowledge. Anything, which is a means of obtaining Divine pleasure, is indeed an act of worship. Remaining ignorant in respect of ambiguous verses is a means of obtaining Divine pleasure. Hence, it is an act of worship and reward.
