The Reinterpretation of the Apparent Meanings of Religious Texts According to Allamah Majlisi

Contrary to many thinkers who feel that ‘tawil’ (i.e. interpreting a religious text in a manner that goes against its apparent meaning) is something related to external realities, Allamah Majlisi is of the opinion that it is related to the meanings of words. He says that the reinterpretation of the apparent meanings of religious texts is a type of metaphorical usage [of the words used therein]. He also considers the hidden, philosophical and mystical re-interpretations of religious texts to be incorrect. Allamah Majlisi has a methodical reaction to the reinterpretation of religious texts. He says that the permissibility of the reinterpretation of religious texts depends upon certain conditions some of which are the following: the new meanings should not contradict rational proofs or the necessary principles of religion, it should be compatible with the apparent meanings of the text, it should also be compatible with the apparent meanings of the other religious texts and finally, it should be compatible with the context of the text as a whole. Also, the following are some of the things that prevent the reinterpretation of a religious text according to Allamah Majlisi: The new meaning contradicts religious consensus, the reason why the apparent meanings of the text was rejected in the first place is incorrect and the apparent meaning of the text is explicit. Based upon these principles, Allamah Majlisi reinterprets religious texts in ways that go against their apparent meaning in certain cases. At the same time, in contrast, some have adamantly opposed reinterpretation of religious texts and have absolutely rejected them