The people of tradition explained the Qur’ãn with the traditions ascribed to the companions and their disciples. They went ahead so long as there was a tradition to lead them on, and stopped when they could not find any such tradition (provided the meaning was not self-.evident). They thought it to be the only safe method, as Allãh says: . . . and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: “We believe in it, it is all from our Lord…” (3:7).
But they were mistaken. Allãh has not said in His Book that rational proof had no validity. How could He say so when the authenticity of the Book itself depended on rational proof. On the other hand, He has never said that the words of the companions or their disciples had any value as religious proof. How could He say so when there were such glaring discrepancies in their opinions? In short, Allãh has not called us to the sophistry which accepting and following contradictory opinions and views would entail. He has called us, instead, to meditate on the Qur’ãnic verses in order to remove any apparent discrepancy in them.
Allãh has revealed the Qur’ãn as a guidance, and has made it a light and an explanation of everything. Why should a light seek brightness from others’ light? Why should a guidance be led by others’ guidance? Why should “an explanation of everything” be explained by others’ words?