Muhkam and Mutashabih

In Islamic theology and Quranic exegesis (tafsir), the concepts of muhkam and mutashabih refer to the classification of the Quran's verses (ayat) into two categories: those that are clear and decisive (muhkam), providing unambiguous foundational guidance on matters of faith, law, and ethics, and those that are ambiguous or allegorical (mutashabih), whose full meanings are multifaceted or known only to God, encouraging deeper contemplation among believers.^[1] This distinction originates directly from Quran 3:7, which describes the Quran as containing "verses [that are] precise—they are the foundation of the Book—and others unspecific," warning that those with deviant inclinations may misuse the mutashabih verses to create discord, while the steadfast affirm belief in the entire revelation.^[1][2] The muhkam verses are characterized by their singular, straightforward interpretation, serving as the core of Islamic doctrine and jurisprudence (fiqh), such as explicit rulings on prohibitions like the consumption of carrion (e.g., Quran 5:3) or intoxicants (e.g., Quran 5:90).^[3][4] In contrast, mutashabih verses encompass those with multiple potential meanings or elusive implications, including descriptions of divine attributes (e.g., God's "hand" in Quran 48:10), the mysterious letters at the beginning of certain surahs (e.g., Alif-Lam-Mim in Quran 2:1), or eschatological imagery like the Hour of Judgment, which classical scholars like al-Tabari viewed as intentionally veiled to test faith and deter literalist misinterpretation.^[3][4] This categorization underscores the Quran's layered structure, balancing accessibility for practical guidance with profound mystery to foster intellectual and spiritual engagement.^[2] Scholarly interpretations of muhkam and mutashabih have evolved across Islamic intellectual traditions, with early exegetes like Ibn Abbas emphasizing that muhkam verses establish legal and creedal norms, while mutashabih invite reliance on prophetic tradition (sunnah) for partial elucidation, as their ultimate sense remains divine.^[3] In classical Sunni jurisprudence, figures such as al-Shafi'i prioritized muhkam texts as binding (nass) without need for analogy (qiyas), whereas mutashabih required cautious handling to avoid anthropomorphism or heresy.^[4] Later thinkers, including modern reformers like Muhammad Hussein al-Dhahabi, cautioned against over-interpreting mutashabih through contemporary lenses like science, arguing it risks distorting the Quran's timeless eloquence, though moderate scholars such as Bediuzzaman Said Nursi permitted secondary meanings in mutashabih verses that align with verified knowledge, provided they do not contradict muhkam foundations.^[3] This framework continues to influence Quranic studies, promoting a hermeneutic that respects both clarity and ambiguity as deliberate divine design.^[2]

Definitions and Etymology

Muhkam

In Islamic theology, the term muhkam (محكم) derives from the Arabic triliteral root ḥ-k-m (ح ك م), which encompasses meanings such as to judge, decide, establish, or render firm and solid.^[5] This root implies a sense of decisiveness and unassailability, as seen in its fourth form (afʿala), denoting something perfected, secured from defect, or made conclusive without ambiguity.^[6] In the Quranic context, muhkam thus characterizes verses that are intrinsically stable and self-evident, free from interpretive flux.^[5] The core definition of muhkam verses refers to those unambiguous portions of the Quran that convey a single, explicit meaning, forming the foundational basis for Islamic doctrines, ethical principles, and legal rulings.^[7] Unlike broader notions of Quranic clarity, muhkam functions as a precise technical classification, emphasizing verses whose import is immediately discernible and not susceptible to multiple readings or doubt.^[2] These verses establish core beliefs and obligations, serving as the immutable mother of the Book upon which interpretation relies.^[7] Key characteristics of muhkam include their explicit wording, which directly articulates rulings, commands, and prohibitions without requiring supplementary explanation or contextual inference.^[2] They are decisive in nature, providing clear guidance on matters of faith, morality, and jurisprudence, and constitute the majority of the Quranic text.^[7] As the counterpart to mutashabih (ambiguous) verses, muhkam represents the Quran's unequivocal foundation, anchoring exegesis in certainty.^[2]

Mutashabih

Mutashabih, derived from the Arabic root sh-b-h meaning "to resemble" or "to be similar," refers to Quranic verses that exhibit resemblance in form or allow for multiple interpretive resemblances in meaning, often rendering them ambiguous or open to varied understandings.^[6] This etymology underscores their nature as verses that parallel one another in linguistic structure while concealing deeper or multifaceted significations.^[8] At its core, mutashabih encompasses verses with unclear, hidden, or multi-interpretable meanings that are typically metaphorical, symbolic, or beyond complete human comprehension, distinguishing them from the straightforward clarity of muhkam verses.^[2] These verses form the opaque counterpart to the decisive muhkam in the Quran's binary classification, emphasizing interpretive complexity over explicit directives.^[9] Key characteristics of mutashabih include references to divine attributes (such as the "Hand of God"), parables, oaths, and the isolated letters known as huruf muqatta'at, which are intended to evoke awe and challenge faith rather than establish direct rulings.^[10] Their inclusion highlights the Quran's layered depth, where such elements resist literal fixation to foster spiritual reflection.^[11] The purpose of mutashabih within the Quran is to promote reliance on the clear muhkam verses for foundational understanding while affirming the inherent limits of human intellect in grasping divine mysteries.^[9] This design encourages believers to accept these verses in their ambiguity, reinforcing the text's role in guiding through both accessibility and enigma.^[6]

Quranic Foundation

Key Verse (3:7)

The primary Quranic verse establishing the distinction between muhkam and mutashabih is found in Surah Ali 'Imran (3:7). The full Arabic text reads:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مِنْهُ ءَايَـٰتٌۭ مُّحْكَمَـٰتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَـٰبِهَـٰتٌۭ ۖ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌۭ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَـٰبَهَ مِنْهُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ ٱلْفِتْنَةِ وَٱبْتِغَآءَ تَأْوِيلِهِۦ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُۥٓ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَٱلرَّٰسِخُونَ فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ كُلٌّۭ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّآ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ٧^[1]

A standard English translation (Sahih International) is:

It is He 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] unspecific. Then as for those in whose hearts is deviation [from truth], they will follow that of it which is unspecific, seeking discord and seeking an interpretation [suitable to them]. 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.^[1]

The structure of the verse divides into two main parts relevant to the distinction: the initial description of the Book's verses and the subsequent warning about their misuse. The key segment states, "minhu ayatun muhkam at hunna ummu al-kitabi wa-ukharu mutashabihatun" ("in it are verses precise—they are the foundation of the Book—and others unspecific"). Here, "muhkam at" (precise or decisive verses) is identified as "ummu al-kitabi" (the mother or foundation of the Book), emphasizing their role as the core, unambiguous principles upon which the entire scripture rests. In contrast, "mutashabihatun" (unspecific or allegorical verses) are presented as the "others," implying a secondary category that resembles or parallels the muhkam but requires deeper discernment.^[1] Linguistically, "muhkam at" derives from the Arabic root ḥ-k-m (ح-ك-م), connoting judgment, decree, or firmness, thus denoting verses that are clear, definitive, and not open to multiple interpretations. Conversely, "mutashabihat" stems from the root sh-b-h (ش-ب-ه), meaning to resemble or be similar, indicating verses that are ambiguous, allegorical, or multifaceted in expression, potentially leading to similitude with other parts of the revelation. These terms collectively highlight the dual nature of the Quranic revelation: a balance between explicit guidance (muhkam) and layered profundity (mutashabih), ensuring the text's accessibility while preserving esoteric depths.^[2] This verse plays a pivotal role in self-classifying the Quran, explicitly categorizing its verses to instruct believers on approaching the scripture's diverse expressions without delving into unauthorized speculation.^[1]

Historical Context of Revelation

The revelation of Quran 3:7 took place during the Medinan period of Prophet Muhammad's mission, following the Hijra (migration) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Surah Al-Imran, in which the verse appears, was revealed in stages primarily between the second and fifth years after the Hijra (approximately 624–627 CE), with its opening discourse (including verse 7) likely descending shortly after the Battle of Badr in 624 CE. This timing coincided with the Muslim community's efforts to establish itself in Medina alongside established Jewish tribes, such as Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayza, fostering intense theological exchanges on divine scriptures, prophethood, and revelation. These debates often centered on the clarity of religious texts, as the Jews invoked their Torah to question the Quran's claims, seeking to highlight perceived ambiguities or inconsistencies in Islamic teachings compared to their traditions.^[12][13] Traditional narrations associate the verse's revelation with inquiries from the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) regarding ambiguous elements in their scriptures, including prophecies about a future prophet or divine attributes like God's "hand" or "face" mentioned metaphorically in the Torah. Such questions were posed to the Prophet during interfaith dialogues in Medina, where opponents attempted to exploit these unclear passages to challenge the Quran's authority or demand specific interpretations of prophetic signs. The verse emerged as a direct address to these circumstances, delineating the Quran's composition of clear (muhkam) verses as its foundational core and ambiguous (mutashabih) ones whose full meanings rest with God alone, thereby guiding the response to such probes without engaging in speculative debates.^[14] In this setting, Prophet Muhammad was divinely instructed to reinforce belief in the entirety of the revelation, urging the community to adhere to the clear verses for practical guidance while affirming faith in the ambiguous without pursuing desires through them. A narration from Aishah, the Prophet's wife, records him reciting the verse and warning: "When you see those who follow what is ambiguous in it [the Quran], then those are the ones whom Allah named [in the verse], so beware of them," emphasizing protection against misinterpretation amid rising tensions. This instruction helped stabilize the early Muslim ummah against manipulative readings by skeptics. The broader context of 7th-century Arabia involved the nascent Muslim community's navigation of diverse religious influences, including literalist misreadings by Jewish scholars and the emergence of hypocritical elements within Medina who echoed external doubts. The verse thus addressed potential sectarian divisions by establishing interpretive boundaries, promoting unity through unwavering faith in God's wisdom over human conjecture in scriptural matters.^[15]

Classical Interpretations

Early Exegetes' Views

Early exegetes established the foundational distinctions between muhkam and mutashabih verses, drawing directly from Qur'an 3:7 as the interpretive anchor. Al-Tabari (d. 923 CE), in his Jami' al-bayan 'an ta'wil ay al-Qur'an, identified muhkam verses as those that are entirely clear and definitive, forming the legal and creedal foundations of the Qur'an, such as commands and prohibitions that admit no ambiguity. He described mutashabih verses as those involving divine similitudes and attributes, which must be accepted in their apparent form without probing their esoteric meanings to prevent deviation or anthropomorphic literalism.^[16] Al-Zamakhshari (d. 1144 CE), in his al-Kashshaf 'an haqa'iq al-tanzil, reflected Mu'tazili rationalism by emphasizing a methodical approach to mutashabih verses, urging their interpretation through linguistic analysis to align with rational theology. He advocated metaphorical readings of anthropomorphic expressions, such as God's "hand" or "face," to preserve divine transcendence while resolving apparent contradictions with muhkam verses that affirm God's uniqueness. This rational lens distinguished his exegesis, promoting ta'wil (figurative interpretation) for mutashabih to safeguard against literalist excesses.^[17] Among early tafsir scholars, a broad consensus emerged that all Qur'anic verses originate from God, with muhkam serving as the stable basis for understanding mutashabih, which could otherwise lead to misguidance if speculated upon excessively. This view underscored the interdependence: mutashabih verses are resolved by recourse to muhkam, ensuring interpretive coherence without delving into unfounded conjecture.^[16][17]

Variations Across Schools of Thought

In the Sunni tradition of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, the Qur'an is predominantly composed of muhkam verses that serve as the foundational principles for doctrine, law, and ethics, with mutashabih verses being relatively few and chiefly limited to those pertaining to God's attributes, such as His hand or face, which are affirmed in their revealed form without inquiring into their modality (bila kayf) to avoid anthropomorphism or speculation. This approach, rooted in the creed of the early Salaf, emphasizes belief in all verses as divine truth while referring ambiguities back to the clear muhkam for guidance, ensuring theological balance without distortion. Shia interpretations, particularly within Twelver Shi'ism, place significant emphasis on the infallible Imams' authoritative role in elucidating mutashabih verses, positing that a broader range of Qur'anic passages are allegorical (mutashabih) to encode esoteric (batin) knowledge that reveals deeper spiritual truths, accessible only through the Imams' divinely inspired ta'wil. Unlike Sunni restraint, this view integrates the Imams' narrations as essential for resolving ambiguities, transforming mutashabih into instruments for mystical and doctrinal insight while upholding the text's inerrancy.^[18] Among rationalist and theological schools, the Mu'tazila advocated for metaphorical ta'wil of mutashabih verses, especially those describing divine attributes, interpreting terms like "hand" or "descent" non-literally (e.g., as power or mercy) to preserve God's absolute transcendence (tanzīh) and unity, rejecting any implication of corporeality or plurality in His essence. In opposition, the Ash'aris maintained a middle path by affirming the literal wording of mutashabih verses concerning God's attributes without modality (bila kayf), accepting them as real and eternal aspects of His essence while negating resemblance to creation, thus safeguarding both divine majesty and scriptural fidelity. These positions emerged as refinements of early exegetes' foundational consensus on distinguishing clear from ambiguous texts.^[19] The Zahiri school exemplifies extreme literalism (zāhirī), insisting on the apparent (zāhir) meanings of all Qur'anic verses without recourse to analogy or metaphorical extension, thereby minimizing the scope of mutashabih by treating most expressions as straightforward and actionable, even in potentially ambiguous contexts, to prioritize textual fidelity over interpretive latitude.

Theological and Practical Implications

Role in Exegesis and Interpretation

In Quranic exegesis, the distinction between muhkam and mutashabih verses establishes a foundational methodological principle: ambiguous (mutashabih) verses must be interpreted by referring back to the clear (muhkam) verses to ensure accurate understanding and avoid unfounded speculation. This approach, articulated in classical tafsirs, posits that muhkam verses provide the definitive framework for resolving the multiplicity of meanings in mutashabih ones, thereby maintaining interpretive coherence across the text.^[20][21] Within tafsir methodology, muhkam verses are regarded as the "mother of the Book" (umm al-kitab), serving as the essential core from which legal and doctrinal rulings are derived, while mutashabih verses are approached primarily for spiritual reflection and affirmation of faith rather than prescriptive application. This hierarchy guides exegetes in prioritizing muhkam content for establishing normative principles, using mutashabih elements to deepen contemplative engagement without altering foundational meanings.^[22][20] Quran 3:7 explicitly warns against those with deviant inclinations who pursue mutashabih verses to fabricate discord or impose self-serving interpretations, contrasting them with the steadfast who affirm belief in the entirety of the revelation. This caution underscores the ethical boundaries of exegesis, prohibiting manipulative twisting of ambiguous texts and reinforcing reliance on divine intent as discerned through muhkam clarity.^[20] In the context of ijtihad, the muhkam-mutashabih framework imposes limits on speculative reasoning, confining independent juristic effort to areas illuminated by clear verses to safeguard doctrinal orthodoxy and prevent heterodox deviations. This interplay ensures that interpretive endeavors remain anchored in textual firmness, promoting scholarly consensus over unchecked conjecture.^[21]

Impact on Faith and Jurisprudence

The distinction between muhkam and mutashabih verses profoundly shapes Islamic creed by providing a foundation for core doctrines while safeguarding against misinterpretation. Muhkam verses, being clear and definitive, establish fundamental beliefs such as tawhid—the absolute oneness of God—and the prophethood of Muhammad as the final messenger, offering unambiguous affirmations that form the bedrock of faith.^[23][24] In contrast, mutashabih verses test the sincerity of iman (faith) by requiring believers to affirm their unseen and allegorical dimensions without resorting to anthropomorphism, thereby preserving God's transcendence and encouraging submission to divine wisdom beyond human comprehension.^[9][24] In jurisprudence, muhkam verses serve as the primary sources in usul al-fiqh, enabling the derivation of clear legal rulings (ahkam) on obligations such as prayer, zakah, and inheritance, where their perspicuity ensures stability and consensus among scholars.^[23][4] Mutashabih verses, however, are deliberately excluded from direct application in formulating ahkam to avoid ambiguity and potential division within the ummah, as their intricate nature precludes definitive legal extraction and prioritizes theological reflection over practical legislation.^[23][9] Historically, this framework has been instrumental in preventing heresy by countering literalist interpretations of mutashabih verses, which some literalist groups exploited to justify extremism and anthropomorphic views of God, thereby threatening communal unity.^[25] Scholars employed the muhkam-mutashabih distinction to refute such deviations, advocating tafwid (delegation of meaning to God) as a doctrinal safeguard that maintained orthodoxy.^[24] Ethically, the concept fosters humility in knowledge-seeking, as muhkam verses provide certainty in foundational truths while mutashabih verses introduce an element of mystery that reminds believers of the limits of human understanding, balancing rational inquiry with reverent acceptance of revelation's profundity.^[9][26] This equilibrium promotes a mature faith that integrates intellectual confidence with spiritual modesty, discouraging dogmatic overreach.^[27]

Examples and Applications

Illustrative Muhkam Verses

One prominent example of a muhkam verse is found in Quran 2:183, which establishes the obligation of fasting: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." This verse clearly mandates fasting for believers, specifying its purpose as fostering righteousness (taqwa), with no ambiguity in its wording or intent; the conditions for observance are directly stated, making it a foundational ruling applicable without interpretive variation.^[28] Another illustrative muhkam verse is Quran 4:3, addressing limits on marriage: "And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice]." Here, the permission for polygamy is explicitly limited to four wives, conditioned on maintaining justice, particularly in protecting orphans; the direct command and numerical restriction leave no room for multiple meanings, serving as a precise legal guideline in Islamic jurisprudence.^[29] Quran 112:1-4, known as Surah Al-Ikhlas, provides a clear affirmation of tawhid (the oneness of God): "Say, 'He is Allah, [who is] One, Allah, the Eternal Refuge. He neither begets nor is born, Nor is there to Him any equivalent.'" This passage unequivocally describes God's unique attributes—eternal, unbegotten, and incomparable—using straightforward language that admits no allegorical interpretation or doubt, reinforcing core monotheistic belief with immediate applicability.^[30] These verses exemplify muhkam ayat, defined as those with a single, decisive meaning that forms the clear foundation of the Quran, free from ambiguity and directly guiding belief and practice.^[31] Their decisiveness lies in the explicitness of commands or declarations, ensuring straightforward comprehension and implementation without need for deeper exegesis.^[15]

Illustrative Mutashabih Verses

One prominent example of a mutashabih verse is found in the opening of Surah Al-Baqarah, Quran 2:1-2: "Alif, Lam, Mim. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah." These disjointed letters, known as huruf muqatta'at, appear at the beginning of 29 surahs in the Quran and are considered ambiguous because their precise meanings remain unknown to human understanding, serving as a divine mystery or symbol whose full significance is reserved for Allah alone.^[32] Another illustrative case involves anthropomorphic imagery in Quran 20:5: "The Most Merciful [who is] established on the Throne." This verse, part of Surah Taha, describes Allah's attribute of istiwa' (establishment) upon the Throne in terms that evoke resemblance to created forms, leading to multiple interpretive approaches such as tafwid (delegating the meaning to Allah) or ta'wil (allegorical explanation) to avoid literal anthropomorphism, as it falls under mutashabihat whose exact modality is beyond human comprehension.^[33] Parables in the Quran also exemplify mutashabih elements, such as the narrative of the People of the Cave in Quran 18:9-26: "Or do you think that the People of the Cave and the Inscription were a wonder from Our signs? ... And you would see the sun when it rose, inclining from their cave to the right and when it set, passing them by on the left, while they were [lying] within an open space thereof." This story recounts youths who sought refuge in a cave from persecution, miraculously sleeping for centuries, but includes symbolic aspects like the number of sleepers (debated as three, five, or seven) and the cave's location, which carry allegorical lessons on faith, divine protection, and resurrection rather than strictly historical details.^[34] These mutashabih verses allow for multiple interpretations, often resembling one another in form or evoking deeper metaphors, but classical scholars resolve their ambiguities by referring back to muhkam verses for contextual clarity, underscoring the importance of faith in the unseen over literal fixation.^[35]

Modern Scholarship

Contemporary Analyses

In the mid-20th century, Sayyid Qutb (d. 1966) offered a dynamic interpretation of muhkam and mutashabih verses in his influential tafsir Fi Zilal al-Qur'an, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary Muslim life. He described muhkam verses as clear and precise, providing direct guidance that requires no further interpretation and must be followed literally, such as those outlining human vicegerency on Earth and free will as inherent traits.^[36] In contrast, mutashabih verses are ambiguous, featuring multiple possible meanings and elements known only to God, like unconnected letters (e.g., Alif Lam Mim) or concealed matters such as the nature of angels; these should not be taken literally but approached with faith and reflection to uncover their transformative power.^[36] Qutb rejected rigid literalism, instead viewing mutashabih as a source of modern inspiration, adapting timeless spiritual truths to critique materialistic ideologies and foster individual responsibility, thereby making the Qur'an a living guide for youth facing socio-political challenges.^[36] Fazlur Rahman (d. 1988) critiqued rigid distinctions between muhkam and mutashabih verses in his work Islamic Methodology in History, arguing against a hard and fast separation that limits dynamic interpretation, which supports progressive ijtihad by allowing contextual ethical evolution while preserving foundational principles.^[37] This approach enables adaptation of Islamic law and ethics to modern contexts, such as justice in family matters and social equity, without contradicting core values. By emphasizing the Quran's overall coherence over strict classifications, it ensures ongoing relevance for issues like women's rights and economic equity.^[37] Post-2000 scholarship has increasingly integrated linguistics and semiotics to explore mutashabih verses, revealing layers of symbolism beyond surface ambiguity. For instance, in a 2020 analysis of Qur'an 41:53, soteriological semiotics employs linguistic polysemy in Arabic terms like "signs" (ayat) and "horizons" to interpret mutashabih elements as pointers to divine oneness (tawhid), drawing on phenomenological approaches and classical ta'wil traditions.^[38] This method widens semantic horizons, treating ambiguous expressions as communicative symbols that foster deeper spiritual insight, aligning with modern tafsir trends influenced by scholars like Ibn 'Arabi. Such linguistic-semiotic frameworks emphasize the Qur'an's multifaceted nature, enabling nuanced exegesis that connects allegorical depth to contemporary hermeneutics. Academic contributions from feminist scholars like Amina Wadud have advanced gender-inclusive readings of Qur'anic verses on attributes and roles. In Qur'an and Woman (1999) and related works, Wadud reexamines passages on gender—such as Q. 4:34—through a lens of tawhid (unity) and justice, arguing that patriarchal interpretations distort their egalitarian intent.^[39] She advocates holistic, context-aware analysis to recover mutuality in such verses, promoting spiritual equality between men and women across life stages, and challenging historical biases to align exegesis with the Qur'an's ethical universality.^[39] This approach underscores flexibility in interpretation as a tool for inclusive reform, influencing broader discussions on gender in Islamic thought.^[39]

Ongoing Debates

One ongoing debate centers on the classification of verses describing natural phenomena, particularly those interpreted through modern science. Traditional exegeses often label such verses as muhkam due to their apparent clarity in aligning with empirical observations, yet reformist scholars argue they function as mutashabih, allowing interpretive flexibility as scientific understanding evolves, thereby avoiding rigid literalism that could conflict with new discoveries.^[40] In Quranic studies, mutashabih verses involving anthropomorphic descriptions are analyzed for translation challenges, contrasting traditional literal approaches with rationalist allegorical interpretations to avoid misattribution of human forms to the divine. This highlights hermeneutical issues in handling ambiguity, prompting calls for balanced exegesis that respects theological boundaries.^[41] Tensions between reformist and traditionalist perspectives intensify around the scope of ta'wil, with reformists urging its expansion to reinterpret mutashabih verses for contemporary ethical and social contexts, such as human rights, while traditionalists caution that such innovations risk deviating from the Quran's immutable intent and the authority of classical tafsir. This divide reflects broader theological discourses, where figures like Yasrebi emphasize ta'wil's role in addressing external, context-specific ambiguities without undermining muhkam foundations.^[42][43] Scholarly analyses reveal significant gaps in traditional and even modern coverage of muhkam and mutashabih, including insufficient exploration of contemporary examples like environmental ethics—such as interpreting mutashabih nature verses (e.g., Q. 41:53) for eco-theological sustainability as of 2023–2025 studies—limited integration of gender perspectives in familial roles through feminist lenses, and inadequate attention to digital-age misinterpretations, where extremists exploit mutashabih ambiguities online to justify radical ideologies. These omissions hinder comprehensive exegesis, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary studies to address evolving societal dynamics.^[44][45][46]