Muhkam and Mutashabeehaat Ayaats

[Shehzad Sattar]

The scholars have differed concerning the meaning of Muhkam and Mutashabeehaat ayaats in the Qur'aan. Qadhi Aboo Ya'la; who mentions 4 opinions in his book 'iddah:

1. The Muhkam is clear and doesn't need explanation. The Mutashabeehaat needs explanation.

2. The Mutashabeehaat is that which is difficult to comprehend for the layman, but not for he 'Ulema. This is similar to ayaat that outwardly contradict each other but don't, i.e. "Verily you guide not who you like” (Al-Qasas 56) and the ayah “Verily, you are indeed guiding (mankind) to the straight path” (Ash-Shura 52). The first ayah refers to the success of one's actions and the second ayah refers to a proof and leads to the Truth.

3. The Mutashabeehaat are the letters that are unconnected and found at the beginning of the surahs i.e. Alif Laam Meem, Alif Laam Ra. etc.) The Muhkam are letters other than these.

4. The Muhkam are the ayaat of the halaal. haraam. promises, and punishments. The Mutashabeehaat are the ayaat of stories and parables, basically the Muhkam on this opinion are the ayaat that establish verdicts and the Mutashabeehaat are the ayaat that don't.