The science of clear and ambiguous versesAccording to Allamah al-Hilli (d. 726 AH)

Abstract

The Hilla school of thought was concerned with Quranic sciences, including the classification of the science of clear and ambiguous verses. Shaykh Ibn Shahr Ashub (d. 588 AH) authored a book on the ambiguous and disputed verses of the Quran, and Ibn al-Kayyal Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Harun al-Hilli (d. 597 AH) wrote a book called "The Ambiguous Verses of the Quran" (1). Sayyid Ali ibn Tawus (d. 644 AH) wrote a book on the names of the clear and ambiguous verses (1), and Allamah al-Hilli authored a book called "Clarifying the Conflict Between the Sunnah and the Quran and Sunnah" (17). This is a very precise book explaining the ambiguous and clear verses of the Quran in which some of the common people have contradicted the apparent meaning of the Holy Quran. The existence of clear and ambiguous verses is a Quranic necessity that no one denies. God Almighty said: "It is He who has sent down to you the Book. In it are verses that are entirely clear - they are the foundation of the Book - and others that are ambiguous. As for those in the Book..." Their hearts are inclined to deviation, so they follow that which is ambiguous in it, seeking discord and seeking its interpretation. And none knows its interpretation except Allah and those firmly grounded in knowledge. They say, “We believe in it; all [of it] is from our Lord.” And none will be reminded except those of understanding. (Al Imran 7) This verse explicitly divides the Quranic meaning into clear and ambiguous verses. This science is considered one of the most important branches of Quranic studies because it requires extensive knowledge and a firm grasp of the relationship between the clear and ambiguous verses. Delving into this field to understand the interpretation of the ambiguous verses has led to differing opinions. I have sought, as a researcher, to find the impact of Allamah al-Hilli on how he dealt with this science, to clarify his opinion on it, and to mention his method of interpreting the ambiguous verses. And it is demonstrated by explaining its applications.