- The Holy Quran is a book of guidance, but this book needs a teacher and an interpreter. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) introduced his Ahl al-Bayt as teachers and interpreters of the Qur'an after himself.
Quran and AhlulBayt
Quran Needs an Interpreter:
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The Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him) Said: “I leave two heavy things among you, if you hold on to them, you will not go astray after me: the Book of God and my Ahl al-Bayt”.[1]
This introduction was not done because of personal love, but according to God's command, because according to the Qur'an, every speech and word of the Prophet is in fact God's revelation, which is expressed in his own words; “Nor does he speak out of [his own] desire, it is just a revelation that is revealed [to him].[2]
During the time of occultation, when we do not have direct access to the Ahl al-Bayt of the Prophet (peace be upon them), on the other hand, we need to understand the verses of the Qur'an correctly, our duty is to refer to the traditions and Hadiths of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). Referring to their hadiths is a great help in this regard. Of course, the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt also considered the condition of their Hadiths to be in accordance with the Qur'an.[3]
Conclusion:
The Holy Qur'an is a book of guidance and anyone can drink from its sea of knowledge to quench their thirst and find the way to salvation. But for a complete and correct understanding of it, we need to refer to the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). So that, we do not fall into a misunderstanding that we arrive to Turkestan instead of the Kaaba.
[1] Waseel al-Shia, Vol. 27, p. 33 / Sahih Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadith 2408.
إِنِّي تَارِكٌ فِيكُمُ اَلثَّقَلَيْنِ مَا إِنْ تَمَسَّكْتُمْ بِهِمَا لَنْ تَضِلُّوا بَعْدِي كِتَابَ اَللَّهِ وَ عِتْرَتِي أَهْلَ بَيْتِي وَ إِنَّهُمَا لَنْ يَفْتَرِقَا حَتَّى يَرِدَا عَلَيَّ اَلْحَوْضَ
[2] Quran [53–4] وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَى، إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَى
[3] Mizan al-Hikma, Dar al-Hadith, vol. 2, p. 525