Zaydi and Esoteric Teachings

wa alaykum as salaam wa rahma!

Thank you for your question! Zaydis have typically been leery of batini and esoteric meanings of the Qur'an. This is primarily due to the fact that the Baatiniya were an opposing school of thought that our Imams wrote extensively against. Baatiniya tendencies were not only prevalent amongst Raafida but also Sufis and other groups, so we don't see the Baatiniya as a sect but rather a philosophical trend.

A hidden esoteric meaning should be distinguished from ta'weel. We have no problem with ta'weel as long as it has its basis in the language, context and/or is supported by authentic textual sources. However, the esotericists tend to adopt a meaning that is not only far removed from the above but also they substitute their esoteric meaning for the clear apparent meaning of the verse exclusively. That is, they say that the intended meaning of the verse is their esoteric interpretation.

And Allah knows best!

IRS