Intermediate
Quranic Sciences
Surah: Al-Anam (82)
Context in Quranic Exegesis — The Principle That the Quran Interprets Itself
ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ
— الأنعام الآية 82
The principle and its importance:
Ibn Kathir said in his introduction: "The most sound method of tafsir is explaining the Quran by the Quran" — what is summarized in one place is elaborated in another; what is vague in one place is clarified elsewhere.
Types of context that affect interpretation:
Caution: Relying on context requires command of the entire Quran — whoever interprets using a narrow context without grasping the broader picture will fall into error.
Types of context that affect interpretation:
- Immediate context: The verse with what precedes and follows it — "Do not approach prayer" (4:43) — the context tells us: "when you are intoxicated," meaning do not approach prayer while drunk, not the places of prayer.
- Surat context: The overall purpose of the entire surah — Surah Yusuf revolves around patience and trust in Allah during hardship.
- Whole-Quran context: "Those who believe and do not mix their faith with wrongdoing" (6:82) — the Prophet interpreted "wrongdoing" here as "shirk" using Al-Luqman 31:13: "Indeed shirk is a great wrongdoing."
Caution: Relying on context requires command of the entire Quran — whoever interprets using a narrow context without grasping the broader picture will fall into error.
Source: Ibn Taymiyyah, Introduction to the Principles of Tafsir (pp.35–50); Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Introduction (1/5); Al-Zarkashi, Al-Burhan (2/153); Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (4/195)
Test Yourself
Give an example of the Quran interpreting itself from Al-Anam 6:82. How did the Prophet interpret "wrongdoing" in that verse?
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