In this period the interpretation was not yet written and in general the narration at that time was spread orally. As an apostle, Prophet Muhammad functions as a Mubayyin (explanatory). An explanation of what Allah has revealed through the revelations that Jibril conveyed to him. He explained to his companions about the meaning and content of the Qur'an, especially regarding verses that were not understood or had vague meanings.
As-Sabuni explained, the Companions had basically understood the Qur'an from both its mufradat and tarkib. This is based on their knowledge of Arabic as the core language of the Qur'an. However, sometimes they need an explanation when they find verses that they do not understand. The interpretation of the Companions of the Qur'an only refers to the core content of the Qur'an. They are people who know firsthand how the Qur'an was revealed, why the Qur'an was revealed, and what events were behind the revelation of the Qur'an.
As a result of the different understandings of the Companions regarding the Qur'an, there were differences of opinion among the scholars regarding the verses of the Qur'an which were interpreted by the Prophet. These differences are grouped into two.
- The Prophet explained the meaning of the Qur'an as he explained the vocabulary of the Qur'an. Thus the opinion of Ibn Taimiyah in the muqoddimah based on Surah An-Nahl (16) verse 44. The main reasons for their argument are as follows:
a. Surah An-Nahl (16) verse 44. The explanation must include vocabulary and meaning.
b. Hadith of Abu Abdurrahman As-Sulami which explains that when they learn ten verses, they must practice it first.
c. Muqoddimah by Ibn Taimiyah. The purpose of each word is to know its meanings, not just to know the vocabulary.
2. Rasulullah only slightly explained the meaning of the Qur'an to his companions. The main reasons for their argument are as follows:
a. Aisyah's narration states that the prophet only explained and interpreted some of the verses taught by Jibril.
b. Allah commands humans to think, understand the meaning of His words, and do istimbat, which is trying to find new interpretations and meanings that are more in line with the conditions of their time.
c. If the prophet explained the whole meaning of the Qur'an, his prayer to Ibn Abbas would be useless because humans would have the same limits of knowledge.
Seeing the difference of opinion between the two camps, it can be concluded that Rasulullah did not interpret the entire meaning of the verses of the Qur'an. This conclusion is based on the following reasons:- There are some verses whose understanding is based on knowledge of language. This does not require an explanation from the Prophet. For example, when ibn abbas interpreted the word ya'mahuna (Q.S Al-Baqarah:15) he said, "Yataraddaduna (they swayed)".
- Some verses are easy to understand so they don't need the Prophet's explanation. For example, the following verse
حُرّمِتْ عَلَيْكُمْ أُمَّهَتُكُمْ......
Forbidden to you (marry) your mothers ... (QS. An-Nisa ' (4): 23) - Some verses are explained only by Allah, such as the occurrence of the Day of Judgment. Therefore, every Prophet is asked when the Hour will occur, he only explains the signs of its coming. In Surah Luqman (31) verse 34 it is stated that only Allah knows about the Day of Judgment.
The following are examples of interpretations carried out by the prophet Muhammad SAW: - Explain difficult things. For example, a narration from Ibn Abbas who said, "There was a man asked the Messenger of Allah, 'What do you think about the word of Allah kama ahzalna 'ala al-muqtasimin (as [we have warned], We have sent down [punishment] on people who sort out [the Book of Allah]). (Surat AL-Hijr (15) : 90)? The Prophet replied, '(They are) Jews and Christians.' The man asked again, 'Alladzi ja'alu al-qur'an 'idhin ([i.e.] those who have made the Qur'an divided). (Surat al-Hijr (15) : (91). What is 'idhin?' The Prophet replied, 'Those who believe in some and disbelieve in others.'' Another example is the Prophet's explanation of the white thread and the black thread. as the word of God in Surah Al-Baqarah (2) verse 187. The Prophet explained that he meant the light of day and darkness of night.
- Setting limits
- Providing role models
The ability to write and read was highly appreciated and delighted by the Prophet. He said: "... In the afterlife later the ink of the scholars will be weighed with the blood of martyrs (people who are martyrs)".
Thus there were in the time of the Prophet three elements that helped maintain the Qur'an that had been revealed. - Memorizing of those who memorized the Qur'an
- Texts written for the Prophet
- Manuscripts written by those who are good at writing and reading for each of them.