Ways of the Influence of the Exegete's Pre-understandings on the Interpretation of the Quran

When undertaking interpretation, the exegete is not free from pre-understandings, but enjoying certain understanding and knowledge. The present article deals with the ways of the influence of preunderstandings of the exegete on Quranic interpretation. Considering the nature of the function of interpreter and studying Quranic commentaries, the article surveys the plausible modes of the influence of preunderstandings on interpretation. preunderstandings of the exegete may be categorized in various ways some of the are self-evident while some others being speculative. The latter itself is categorized into instrumental, basic, and content preunderstandings.On the other hand, some preunderstandings are consistent with the literal sense of the verses, others being inconsistent. The most significant plausible ways of the influence of preunderstandings on the interpreter are as follows: Playing the role of instrument for interpretation, making the foundations and rules of interpretation available, playing the role of clues for understanding the verses, indicating the context of revelation and that of speech, creating issues, poadening the horizons of the interpreter, and their confirmatory as well as explanatory role towards revealing the contents of the verses.