AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has called on religious scholars and Quran commentators to uphold piety, scholarly discipline, and respect for the sanctity of revelation during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a recently released video message, Sheikh Zakzaky addressed the widespread organization of Quranic exegesis sessions across various regions of Nigeria, stressing that platforms dedicated to interpreting the Holy Quran must not be turned into arenas for insinuations, or unproductive disputes.
Sheikh Zakzaky expressed concern that in some instances, spiritual gatherings devoted to Quranic interpretation have been transformed into confrontational settings marked by divisive rhetoric. He described such behavior as incompatible with the sanctity of the Qur’an and the sacred atmosphere of Ramadan.
“The platform of interpretation is not a stage for attacking others or advancing factional agendas,” he emphasized, urging preachers and scholars to demonstrate moral restraint and God-consciousness in both tone and content.
Highlighting the seriousness of Quranic interpretation, Sheikh Zakzaky underscored that interpretation is neither superficial nor simplistic. Interpreters, he said, effectively stand in a position of clarifying divine intent—an immense intellectual and spiritual responsibility.
“If misrepresenting the words of an ordinary authority figure is considered an error, how can one dare to interpret the words of the Lord of the worlds without proper knowledge and precision?” he asked.
Citing a Prophetic tradition that warns against interpreting the Quran based on personal opinion or without sound knowledge, Zakzaky stressed that subjective inclinations must not replace rigorous scholarship. The objective of tafsir, he noted, is to uncover divine meaning—not to impose personal viewpoints.
Sheikh Zakzaky further stated that not everyone is qualified to enter the field of Quranic exegesis. He identified scholarly competence and recognized expertise as essential prerequisites for those who undertake interpretation.
Those lacking sufficient grounding in Quranic sciences, he advised, should pursue learning or rely on the works and explanations of established scholars rather than presenting independent interpretations without proper training.
He emphasized the necessity of continuous reference to authoritative sources, including classical transmitted commentaries and linguistic analyses, as well as mastery of the specialized sciences related to Quranic studies.
Drawing a parallel with jurisprudence, Sheikh Zakzaky noted that just as believers consult qualified jurists in legal matters, they should likewise turn to recognized scholars in understanding the deeper meanings and dimensions of the Quran.
Allowing personal preferences to dictate interpretation, he warned, risks distorting sacred meaning and fostering division within the Muslim community.
Concluding his message, Sheikh Zakzaky called on both scholars and the broader public to preserve the dignity of Quranic gatherings. Transforming tafsir sessions into platforms for accusation and reciprocal hostility, he cautioned, will yield nothing but discord and deprivation from the spiritual blessings of the holy month.
His remarks come at a time when Ramadan programs across Nigeria have seen increased participation, underscoring the importance of responsible religious discourse in maintaining unity and reverence for Islam’s sacred text.
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