Understanding and impression of the Qur’an has been entangled in two false approaches in the history of interpretation; disorderly tendencies in esoteric interpretation (ta’wil) and esoteric (bateni) impressions as well as dogmatism, superficiality, and formalism which resulted in nullification of intellect as a means of understanding the Qur’an and the slowing down of scientific movement. In this writing first the latter approach is explained and some relevant examples are provided. Then the general misconceptions of the formalists as beliefs and arguments which have laid the ground for their deviation and flaws in interpretation (of the Qur’an) are examined in detail and responded to. These misconceptions are as follows:
Relying on traditions which discourage interpretation of the Qur’an by personal opinion.
Presumptiveness of rational interpretation.
The explanation of the Qur’an’s verses (as only) being in the capacity of the Prophet.
Not needing intellect, because of the comprehensiveness of the Qur’an.
Fallibility and incapability of intellect in interpretation.
Awareness of ta’wil as being exclusiveto ”those firmly rooted in knowledge”.
Invalidity of the exteriors of the Qur’an.
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