Word Meaning
तावील
tāwīl
Meaning
Esoteric or allegorical interpretation, rationalization, explanation.
Detailed Meaning
In Islamic hermeneutics and classical literature, 'tawil' refers to the esoteric, metaphorical, or allegorical interpretation of a religious text. In this verse, it carries a critical connotation, denoting the forced or subjective rationalization by religious commentators that warps sacred scriptures into alien doctrines. It signifies bending the plain truth to fit personal or sectarian perspectives.
Etymology
Arabic (تَأْوِيل), verbal noun from the root أ-و-ل (ʾ-w-l), literally meaning 'to return to origin' or 'to interpret'.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently appears with a skeptical tone toward the intellectual acrobatics or forced justifications of dogmatic commentators.
Examples
seeking a forced interpretation for one's shortcomings
the subtle interpretation of a difficult text