Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Quran Tafsir is Exclusive Prerogative of Ma’sumeen
Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Hosseini al-Shirazi has emphasized that only Ma’sumeen (the Infallibles) have the right to provide Tafsir of the Quran, rejecting exegeses by non-infallibles.
On Saturday, the 6th of Jumada al-Awwal, his Eminence led his daily scholarly session, where he addressed various jurisprudential questions from attendees, continuing the tradition of previous meetings.
In reference to a hadith from the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure family) that criticizes opinion-based Tafsir of the Quran, the Supreme Marja stated that non-infallibles do not possess the right to interpret the Quran. He emphasized that the ability to comprehend the deeper meanings of the Quran is solely reserved for the Infallibles (peace be upon them), asserting that others do not have access to such knowledge.
Responding to a question regarding the distinction between personal interpretation and contemplation of the Quran, he clarified that while the Quran encourages reflection and thought on its verses, this contemplation must lead to a correct understanding of the verses’ meanings. He cautioned against deriving incorrect interpretations, stressing the importance of adhering to the intended meanings as revealed in the appearance of the scripture.
