Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract

This article examines who is gifted with the understanding and commentary of the Qur’an through a comprehensive, inter-sectarian lens. It explores Qur’anic verses that frame understanding as a divine gift (e.g. Quran 2:269, 3:7, 35:29–32, 56:79) and highlights classical, Shi‘i, Sufi, and modern scholarly perspectives. We find that while the Quran itself promises to be “easy to understand and remember” for those who sincerely seek guidance thequran.love thequran.love, not everyone approaches it equally. Classical commentators, the Shi‘i doctrine of Imams and marājiʿ, and Sufi mystics each offer insights into who truly comprehends the Quran. Modern scholars advocate drawing on all these traditions and emphasize that no single group has a monopoly on Quranic wisdom themuslimtimes.info themuslimtimes.info. Ultimately, the “gift” of understanding the Quran is shown to be a synergy of divine favor and human sincerity, available to all who engage the scripture with knowledge, humility, and devotion.

Introduction

Understanding the Qur’an—Islam’s holy scripture and “the truth” revealed to Prophet Muhammad myislam.org—has been a central pursuit of Muslim scholars and believers for over fourteen centuries. The question of who is “gifted” with true comprehension of the Qur’an’s message is both theological and practical. On one hand, the Quran declares that it is guidance for all humankind and challenges “will they not ponder the Quran?” thequran.love, suggesting every sincere reader can and should engage with its meaning. On the other hand, the depth of Quranic wisdom and the diversity of interpretations imply that special knowledge or divine favor might be required to fully grasp itthequran.love. Classical Islamic tradition speaks of certain individuals – Prophets, the Prophet’s Companions, Imams of the Prophet’s family, or saintly scholars – as particularly endowed in Qur’anic insight. At the same time, the Qur’an warns that arrogance or misuse of scripture can prevent one from true understanding thequran.love.

This article takes an inter-sectarian approach, examining Sunni, Shi‘i, and Sufi viewpoints alongside modern scholarly reflections. We will first ground the discussion in the Qur’an’s own statements about wisdom and interpretation. We then turn to how classical commentators viewed the qualifications for Quranic exegesis (tafsir). Next, we explore Twelver Shiʿi perspectives, where authority in interpretation is linked to the lineage of Imams and the role of contemporary marājiʿ (high-ranking jurist-scholars). We also delve into the esoteric and mystical traditions that emphasize spiritual purity as the key to unlocking Qur’anic secrets. Finally, we consider modern inclusive approaches – exemplified by projects like The Study Quran and the writings of Zia H. Shah – which argue that understanding the Qur’an is enhanced by drawing from all schools of thought and embracing evolving human knowledge thequran.love thequran.love. Through these explorations, we aim to clarify who can be considered “gifted” in Qur’anic understanding and what conditions enable such gift to flourish.

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