What is the correct stance on Ta’weel?
Ta’weel (interpretation) is a methodology of understanding an Arabic word or sentence when the literal meaning of the words is an impossibility. For example, when someone says, “I saw the lion of Ahlulsunnah giving a talk today,” it is impossible for an actual lion to be attributed to Ahlulsunnah and/or to give a talk. Thus, the word “lion” is interpreted to mean “a brave person,” and thereafter the sentence is understood correctly. Likewise, the English phrase “it’s raining cats and dogs” is interpreted to mean a heavy downpour of rain, because it is not possible for dogs and cats to fall from the clouds.
Every language uses metaphors, including Arabic. Thus, within the Qur’an and Sunnah there are some sentences whereby literal meanings are impossible, and these are, therefore, interpreted.
Example 1:
نسوا الله فنسيهم
“They forgot Allah, so Allah forgot them.”[1]
Forgetfulness refers to one’s knowledge having the left the mind, yet Allah’s is all-knowing and it is impossible for that to change. Allah’s says:
لا يضل ربي ولا ينسى
“And my Lord does not err, nor is He forgetful.” [2]
Thus, the literal meaning of the word “forgot” in the first verse is not possible due to the contradiction it would entail with the second verse. Therefore, it must be interpreted. In this verse it is interpreted to mean “left” or “neglected” because that is what forgetfulness entails: one who forgets to do something has left or neglected that action. Thus, the verse means: “they forgot Allah, so Allah will neglect them (on the day of judgement).”
Example 2:
ولا تجعل يدك مغلولة إلى عنقك ولا تبسطها كل البسط
“Do not chain your hand to your neck, and do not spread it all the way out.” [3]
The literal meaning to prohibit one from “chaining your hand” and “spreading it all the way out” is not possible because of the consensus that these two actions (of chaining the hand or spreading the hands out) are permissible. Additionally, these two phrases are commonly used in Arabic to refer to a stingy person (hands that are chained) and a generous person (hands that are spread). Therefore, the meaning of this verse is interpreted to be:
“Do not be so stingy (that you give nothing), and don’t be so generous (that you give everything and make yourself the one in need).”
Example 3:
وقالت اليهود يد الله مغلولة. غُلّت أيديهم ولعنوا بما قالوا. بل يداه مبسوطتان؛ ينفق كيف يشاء
“And the Jews have said: ‘Allah’s hand is chained.’ May their hands be chained, and may they be cursed for what they said. Rather, His hands are outspread; He gives however He wishes.” [4]
The statement of the Jews is not taken literally, because it is not possible for Allah to be described with body parts, as He is beyond physicality and this would lead to a contradiction to Allah’s independence of body parts and His statement, “There is nothing similar to Him.” Additionally, it is a common phrase among the Arabs, as explained in the previous example, to refer to stinginess. Thus, the Jews were saying “Allah is stingy [with His blessings].” Then, Allah responds in the same rhetoric, saying “His hands are [not chained, but rather] outspread,” again as explained in example 2, meaning “He is ever-generous.”
This interpretation is supported further by the last part of the verse: “He gives as He wishes,” showing that the topic is giving, where the Jews said Allah doesn’t give, and Allah affirms His generosity for whoever He wills.
In summary, ta’weel is a way to understand Arabic speech when the literal meaning is impossible due to some contradiction it entails. It is permissible because it is within the guidelines of Arabic grammar, and it is sometimes mandatory, as when the literal meaning entails a deficiency for Allah, such as in examples 1 and 3. However, regarding some verses, some scholars chose not to delve into its interpreted meaning and, instead, left the knowledge of it to Allah. This is called Tafweed, and one can read more about that here.
And Allah knows best.
Written by Umar Elhashimi
April 27, 2025
Study Hanbali, Ashari, & Maturidi aqida at Arkview.org
Sources
Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 67
Surah Taha, verse 52
Surah Al-Israa, verse 29
Surah Al-Maa’idah, verse 64