The approach of interpreting the Qur'an by the Qur'an only, often referred to as "Tafsir al-Qur'an bi al-Qur'an," is a methodology in Islamic scholarship that prioritises the Qur'an itself as the primary source of interpretation for its verses. This method is based on the principle that the Qur'an contains explanations and elaborations within it that can clarify the meanings of its verses. Here's a structured overview: ### Key Principles: 1. **Self-Explanatory Nature**: It operates on the belief that the Qur'an explains itself, meaning some verses can clarify the meanings of other verses. 2. **Contextual Harmony**: It emphasizes the consistency and coherence within the Qur'an, arguing that no part contradicts another and that the scripture must be understood as a unified whole. 3. **Internal References**: This approach seeks verses that deal with similar subjects or themes as a means to understand ambiguous or general statements in the text. ### Steps in the Approach: 1. **Identify the Verse(s) in Question**: Begin with the verse(s) that need interpretation or clarification. 2. **Search for Clarifying Verses**: Look for other verses within the Qur'an that mention the same topic, concept, or term to find explanations or additional details. 3. **Analyze the Context**: Both the specific context of the verse(s) and the broader thematic context within the Qur'an are considered to ensure a coherent interpretation. 4. **Synthesize the Interpretation**: Combine insights gathered from related verses to form a comprehensive understanding of the original verse(s). ### Advantages: - **Authenticity**: Relies solely on the Qur'an, considered by Muslims as the ultimate source of guidance, thus ensuring the purity of interpretation. - **Coherence**: Promotes a unified and internally consistent understanding of the Qur'an. ### Limitations: - **Complex Issues**: Some matters may not be explicitly detailed in the Qur'an, making it challenging to fully interpret them without recourse to other sources of Islamic knowledge, like Hadith (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) and classical tafsir literature. - **Scholarly Consensus**: This approach requires a deep understanding of the Qur'an, including its language, context, and revelation history, which may not be accessible to all readers. ### Conclusion: The "Tafsir al-Qur'an bi al-Qur'an" approach is a revered method in Islamic scholarship, emphasizing the Qur'an's capability to interpret itself. It reflects a deep respect for the text's sanctity and coherence. However, scholars also recognise the importance of supplementary sources, such as Hadith and the scholarly tradition, especially for comprehensive understanding and application in diverse contexts.