Tā’wīl
Definition
Tā’wīl refers to allegorical or symbolic interpretation of Qur’anic verses. It is particularly used for verses that have ambiguous or allegorical meanings as opposed to those with straightforward, clear significations.
Etymology
The term Tā’wīl (تأويل) is derived from the Arabic root “أَ وَ ل” (A-W-L), which means “to return to,” “to refer back to” or “to explain.” In Turkish, it is also referred to as Te’vil.
Qur’anic Context
The concept of tā’wīl is grounded in the Qur’an itself, specifically in Surah Al-Imran (3:7):
<p>“He it is Who has sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book: In it are verses that are precise - they are the foundation of the Book - and others ambiguous. As for those in whose hearts is deviation, they will follow that of it which is ambiguous, seeking dissension and seeking to distort it. And no one knows its true interpretation except Allah. But those firm in knowledge say: We believe in it; all [of it] is from our Lord. And no one will be reminded except those of understanding.”</p>
Historical Development
Beginning from the 7th century, Islamic scholars divided over the appropriateness and reach of tā’wīl. This division crystallized into two primary schools of thought:
- Literalist Group: Scholars like Malik ibn Anas (d. 795), Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855), and Ibn Hazm (d. 1086) rejected allegorical interpretation and favored a literal understanding of the Qur’anic text.
- Interpretive Group: Comprised of liberal scholars such as Hasan al-Basri (d. 728), along with the Mutazili theologians and philosophers who embraced discursive methods to understand the hidden meanings.
In the 12th century, the Aristotelian philosopher and Maliki judge Ibn Rushd (Averroës) (d. 1198) became a distinguished advocate of allegorical interpretation, arguing for the compatibility of reason and revelation.
Key Scholars
Literalist Group:
- Malik ibn Anas (d. 795)
- Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855)
- Ibn Hazm (d. 1086)
Interpretive Group:
- Hasan al-Basri (d. 728)
- Mutazili Theologians
- Ibn Rushd (Averroës) (d. 1198)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- Khalidi, Tarif. Classical Arab Islam. Culture and Heritage Publishing.
- Frank, Richard M. Beings and Their Attributes: The Teaching of the Basrian School of the Muʿtazila. State University of New York Press.
- Avicenna. Soul, Power and the Being of Life. Translation of works by the philosopher al-Kindi. Yale University Press.
- Al-Jabri, Mohamed Abed. Arab Islamic Philosophy: A Contemporary Critique. Center for Research.
Takeaways
- Tā’wīl serves as a bridge between literal text and deeper, often allegorical understanding.
- It has played a critical role in shaping various interpretations within Islamic theology and philosophy.
- Scholarly debate over tā’wīl underscores a broader dialogue about the relationship between reason and revelation in Islamic thought.
Conclusion
The practice of Tā’wīl encapsulates a significant intellectual endeavor in Islamic traditions, highlighting the dynamic ways Muslims engage with their sacred texts. It illustrates the balance between textual literalism and philosophical speculation that has characterized much of Islamic scholarly work over centuries.
