Falling into the pursuit of Ayat-e-Mutashabihat (ambiguous verses of the Quran) is a major form of mental impurity. Not just mental impurity, but also Imani (faith-based) impurity.
People chase after Ayat-e-Mutashabihat for two main reasons:
1. Self-worship
They want to prove themselves unique. The Quran is clear and suitable for the understanding of all classes of people. Yet, some obsess over ambiguous verses simply to present themselves as scholars with superior knowledge. This is a spiritual and mental deviation—moving from the worship of Allah to the worship of oneself.
Read More:What is Nafs and Why? A Detailed Analysis
2. Sectarian devotion
The Quran is simple, clear, and easy to understand. About 90% of its guidance, laws, and directives are straightforward. But following this simple guidance does not allow one to blindly obey a sect. It does not support division, discord, or sectarianism. If people followed the clear and simple meaning of the Quran, they wouldn’t be able to label one group as Kafir, Mushrik, or Batil while branding another as the only true Muslims. So, for the sake of sectarian loyalty, people feel the need to engage with Ayat-e-Mutashabihat.
In doing so, they abandon their Lord and fall into self-worship or sectarian worship. They turn away from Allah and chase something else entirely!
It is true that Ayat-e-Mutashabihat contain material for deep thinkers. And yes, these verses will manifest in new forms with every era, but only true thinkers will understand them. Meanwhile, the general masses often misuse these verses for self-promotion or ideological defense.
Speaking from personal experience, I too was once deeply attracted to Ayat-e-Mutashabihat. I was drawn to what lay beyond the obvious meanings. The more I shattered rigid perspectives, the closer I moved toward the worship of the abstract Divine. After all, Allah does not only encompass disbelievers—He encompasses everything. Wallahu Muhit.
-Golam Dostogir Lisani
