English book · Issues of Ijtihad

The Need for an Additional Qualification

English book, p. 68

By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan

“Its wonders will never be exhausted.” (Sunan al-Darmi, Hadith No. 3375). These “wonders” refer to the deeper meanings of the Quran—indicating that its meanings are so vast that scholars across all eras will continue to discover new insights. And this process will persist until the Day of Judgment. Throughout history, people have continued to discover new meanings and insights in the verses of the Quran—a process known as istinbat. Examples of this can be found in every book of Quranic commentary. This process is ongoing even today. For instance, the Quran, under the command to gather strength, instructs the preparation of warhorses (8:60). In modern times, warhorses have been replaced by contemporary war machines. Consequently, scholars now explain that, due to changing circumstances, this verse should be understood as referring to the preparation of war machines and technology instead of horses. This is because warhorses no longer offer the strategic advantage mentioned in the verse as the goal of gathering strength; that advantage is now linked to mechanical and technological power. The Quran has always been a source of intellectual and scholarly growth for Muslims. Its most significant feature is that it challenges the human mind and continually encourages reflection and deep thought. Due to its infinite meanings, the Quran acts as a foundation for intellectual development among Muslims. Shutting the door to new discoveries in

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