One fundamental issue in Qur'anic interpretation is discovering the intended meaning of the text. Some scholars believe in adhering to the apparent meaning, while others advocate for the interpretation or ta'wil of the text, and a third group believes in a combination of both. This article employs a descriptive-analytical method and utilizes exegetical resources from both Sunni and Shia interpretive traditions to highlight two major schools of thought in Qur'anic exegesis: ta'wil-oriented and literalist. It then explains the innovation of Allameh Tabatabaei, who considers adhering to the apparent meanings of words as the correct interpretation. Subsequently, the article examines and presents to those interested in exegetical issues, the roots of resorting to interpreting Qur'anic verses contrary to their apparent meaning, from the perspective of the author of Al-Mizan. By surveying Al-Mizan, this paper reflects on numerous instances of causes of this resort to non-literal interpretation, including grammatical ta'wil, which, from the perspective of the author of Al-Mizan, are all instances of subjective interpretation “tafseer bi'l-ray”.