Did the Prophet Have Full Knowledge of the Mutashabihat?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

What is the belief of Ahl al-Sunna wal Jama’a regarding whether or not the Prophet upon whom be peace knew the exact meaning of the verses of the Quran known as the mutashabihat?

Answer

The dominant position according to the scholars of Tafsir is that the mutashabihat (ambiguous verses) are understood by scholars rooted in knowledge (Abu al-Su’ud, Irshad al-‘Aql al-Salim; Alusi, Ruh al-Ma’ani). If they know the meanings of such verses, then the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), without a shadow of a doubt knows them.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was given complete knowledge of the Quran – which includes all aspects of its literal, implied, and more subtle meanings. (Sawi, Sharh Jawhara al-Tawhid)

May Allah give us certainty in the realities taught in His book.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.