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The Quran Answers False Assessments of the Quran: Confusing Intricate (Mutashabih) Verses With Perspicuous (Muhkam) Ones

Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Prejudice, Ulterior Motives and Lack of Sincerity
  3. Confusing Intricate (Mutashabih) Verses With Perspicuous (Muhkam) Ones
  4. Lack of Expertise in Qur'anic Interpretation Techniques
  5. Insufficient Knowledge of Arabic
  6. The Absence of God-Given Wisdom and Understanding
  7. Lack of Thinking
  8. Arrogance and Superiority
  9. Trying to Interpret the Qur'an with Old Traditions
  10. Inability to Understand the Scientific Qur'anic Verses
  11. Trying to Interpret the Qur'an According to the Flawed Values of the Established Order
  12. Wine-drinking in Heaven
  13. Another Incorrect Interpretation on the Subject of Wine
  14. The Claim that "Pork Produced Under the Strict Hygienic Surroundings of Today May Be Consumed"
  15. Seeing the Anecdotes in the Qur'an as Fables
  16. The Assumption That the Qur'an is a Copy or Imitation of Other Holy Books
  17. Incompatibilities and Differences
  18. The Misinterpretation of the Term "We," Which God Uses in Reference to Himself
  19. Failing to Understand the Examples Given in the Qur'an
  20. Failing to Understand the Repetitions in the Qur'an
  21. Failing to Understand the Style of the Qur'an
  22. The Subject of Creation in Six Days
  23. The Speculation About Noah's Flood
  24. Conclusion

The Qur'anic commandments have been explained in a clear and simple manner so believers can easily abide by them. These are called the "perspicuous" (muhkam) verses. These verses, according to the Qur'an, are the "Core of the Book" and so make up its foundation. There is another type of Qur'anic verses that are referred to as "intricate" (mutashabih) verses. These types of verses contain various comparisons and similes. People with no Qur'anic knowledge but ulterior motives can misinterpret the "intricate verses" in many twisted and startling ways. This is explained in the Qur'an as follows:

It is He who sent down the Book to you from Him:

verses containing clear judgements – they are the core of the Book – and others which are open to interpretation. Those with deviation in their hearts follow what is open to interpretation in it, desiring conflict, seeking its inner meaning. No one knows its inner meaning but God. Those firmly rooted in knowledge say, 'We have faith in it. All of it is from our Lord.' But only people of intelligence pay heed.

Surat Al 'Imran: 7

God alone knows the meanings of "intricate verses." No interpretations outside these meanings reflect the truth about these verses. Throughout history there have been perverted people, sects and movements that have interpreted the "intricate" Qur'anic verses in order to serve their own twisted aims and expectations. It is stated in this verse that this is sedition and that only people with misguided hearts, and more specifically those who have deviated from the right path, would resort to such methods. The fact that only God knows the true meanings of these intricate verses is also made clear in the verse. God can reveal the information necessary for the interpretation of these verses to whomever He pleases. However, believers accept all of these intricate verses, the knowledge of which has not been revealed to them. They would never stoop to making perverted interpretations like those who wish to see conflict and whose hearts are twisted.