The Essence of Islam – Volume I — Page 460
460. Essence of Islam-1. Qur'an best was our dear and grand Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him]. Thus if an interpretation by the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] becomes available, it is the duty of every Muslim to accept it instantly without hesitation, and whoever fails to do this would be guilty of heresy and philosophising. . The third standard is interpretation by the companions of the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him]. There is no doubt that the companions of the Holy. Prophet [may Allāh be pleased with them], were the first heirs of the lights of the Holy Prophet [peace and blessings of Allāh be on him] and of his knowledge, and that they were bestowed great grace by God Almighty and their perception was aided by God for they not only professed but practised. . The fourth standard is reflection upon the Holy Qur'ān with one's pure spirit, inasmuch as the Holy Qur'ān has a relationship with purity of spirit. God the Glorious says: لا يَمَسُّةَ إِلَّا الْمُطَهَّرُونَ 271. This means that: A person with a purified heart appreciates the holy insights of the Qur'an on account of his relationship with the Qur'ān. He recognizes them and smells them and his heart bears witness that this is the true way. . The light of his heart is a good standard for testing the truth. Unless a person is purified in practice and passes through the narrow path through which the Prophets have passed, he should not become a commentator of the. Qur'an out of impertinence and arrogance, for his commentary would be based upon his opinion and such 271 al-Waqi'ah, 56:80 [Publisher]