Is it known which verses of the Qur'an are to be taken allegorically, and which are decisive?

Question

Some are clear in meaning (Ahkam) and others are mystical or allegorical (Mutashabihah).

3:7 says, "He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity, they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead, and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation, but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding."

Is it known which verses are which?

Answer 1

This is a very good question, I am currently enhancing my Islamic Knowledge by reading Ibn Kathir, he has done an excellent job of explaining the verses with authentic hadith sources.

I have the collection, but you can view it at www.tafsir.com

The Intepretation I have says this,

[003:007] It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) the Book (this Qur'ân). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkâm (commandments), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others not entirely clear. So, as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord." And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabarî)

So if we are to be pious, we follow what is clear, and accept what is unclear, and do things with good intentions.

Answer 2

Ultimately, whether to interpret a verse allegorically or literally is up to you. Its the same thing as the Bible. Don't let any of the muckety-muck scholars convince you otherwise because of their "authority". According to Islam--they have no more authority to interpret anything than you do.

Answer 3

From what I can tell, muslims use whatever verse they want to attempt to justify their current behavior. If someone points out a contradiction to them, they say that THAT verse isn't supposed to be taken "so literally" (like all the ones commanding them to kill Jews and Christians). I've come to the point that I've given up trying to understand or believe any of it (islam and it's excuses and commands and two-faced posing). I decided that ACTIONS speak louder and more clearly than WORDS...and by their ACTIONS their true nature has been revealed.

Answer 4

how do we interpret the verses where allah commands his followers to wage war on non-muslims and to subjugate them or kill them unless they convert>

Answer 5

You cannot believe anything the Qur'an has to say. there is nothing in there except lies and contradictions.