Esoteric interpretation of the Quran

An esoteric interpretation of the Qur'an is an interpretation of the Qur’an which includes attribution of esoteric or mystic meanings to the text by the interpreter. In this respect, its method is different from the conventional exegesis of the Qur’an , called tafsir . Esoteric interpretations do not usually contradict the conventional (in this context called exoteric ) interpretations; instead, they discuss the inner levels of meaning of the Qur'an. A hadith from Prophet Muhammad which states that the Qur’an has an inner meaning, and that this inner meaning conceals a yet deeper inner meaning, and so on (up to seven levels of meaning), has sometimes been used in support of this view. Some Islamic sects impose strict limitations on esoteric interpretations. Esoteric interpretations are found mainly in Sufism and in the sayings ( hadiths ) of both Twelver and Ismaili Shi'a Imams . In Arabic , batin refers to the inner or esoteric meaning of a sacred text, and zahir to the apparent or exoteric meaning. Hence, the term batiniyya is sometimes applied to those who refer to an esoteric interpretation.

Esoteric interpretation of the Quran , also known as Sufi interpretation and taʾwīl (تأويل), is the allegorical interpretation of the Quran or the quest for its hidden, inner meanings. It was a synonym of conventional interpretation in its earliest use, but it came to mean a process of discerning its most fundamental understandings. Esoteric interpretations do not usually contradict the conventional (in this context called exoteric ) interpretations; instead, they discuss the inner levels of meaning of the Quran. The words Ta'wil and Tafsir have been translated to mean explanation, elucidation, interpretation, and commentary; but from the end of the 8th century onwards, 'ta'wil' was commonly regarded as the esoteric or mystical interpretation of the Quran , while the conventional exegesis of the Quran was called " tafsir ". The term batin refers to the inner or esoteric meaning of a sacred text, and zahir to the apparent or exoteric meaning. Esoteric interpretations are found in Sufi , Shia , Sunni , and Baha'i interpretations of the Quran. A hadith which states that the Quran has an inner meaning, and that this inner meaning conceals a yet deeper inner meaning, and so on (up to seven successive levels of deeper meaning), has sometimes been used in support of this view. A concise encyclopedia of Islam (Repr. ed.). The Teachings of the Qur'an Leaman, Oliver (2008). The Qur'an : an encyclopedia .

Allegorical interpretation of the Quran Esoteric interpretation of the Quran , taʾwīl (تأويل), is the allegorical interpretation of the Quran or the quest for its hidden, inner meanings. The Arabic word taʾwīl (تأويل) was synonymous with conventional interpretation in its earliest use, but it came to mean a process of discerning its most fundamental understandings. Esoteric interpretations do not usually contradict the conventional (in this context called exoteric ) interpretations; instead, they discuss the inner levels of meaning of the Quran. The words taʾwil and tafsir both mean roughly "explanation, elucidation, interpretation, and commentary"; but from the end of the 8th century CE onwards, "taʾwil" was commonly regarded as the esoteric or mystical interpretation of the Quran , while the conventional exegesis of the Quran was called " tafsir ." The term batin refers to the inner or esoteric meaning of a sacred text, and zahir to the apparent or exoteric meaning. Esoteric interpretations are found in Shia and Sunni interpretations of the Quran. A hadith which states that the Quran has an inner meaning, and that this inner meaning conceals a yet deeper inner meaning, and so on (up to seven successive levels of deeper meaning), has sometimes been used in support of this view. A concise encyclopedia of Islam (Reprint ed.). The Qur'an : an encyclopedia .

Esoteric interpretation of the Quran ( ) is the allegorical interpretation of the Quran or the quest for its hidden, inner meanings. The Arabic word taʾwīl was synonymous with conventional interpretation in its earliest use, but it came to mean a process of discerning its most fundamental understandings. " Esoteric " interpretations do not usually contradict the conventional (in this context called " exoteric ") interpretations; instead, they discuss the inner levels of meaning of the Quran. The Arabic words taʾwīl and tafsīr both mean roughly "explanation, elucidation, interpretation, and commentary"; but from the end of the 8th century CE onwards, taʾwīl was commonly regarded as the esoteric or mystical interpretation of the Quran , while the conventional exegesis of the Quran was referred to using the term tafsīr . The term batin refers to the inner or esoteric meaning of a sacred text, and zahīr to the apparent or exoteric meaning. Esoteric interpretations are found in the Shīʿa , Sufi , and Sunnī branches of Islam and their respective interpretations of the Quran. A ḥadīth report which states that the Quran has an inner meaning, and that this inner meaning conceals a yet deeper inner meaning, and so on (up to seven successive levels of deeper meaning), has sometimes been used in support of this view. A concise encyclopedia of Islam (Reprint ed.). "Qur'anic Exegesis at the Confluence of Twelver Shiism and Sufism: Sayyid Ḥaydar Āmulī's al-Muḥīṭ al-aʿẓam ". Journal of Qur'anic Studies . 23 (1). The Qur'an: an encyclopedia .