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Suppose you were to say, “You have pointed to a lofty station—open its gate for me, draw back its veil, and tell me: how does one ponder the Quran, comprehend it,(1) and gain insight into its wonders and treasures? We already possess the commentaries of the leading scholars; is there anything beyond what they have stated?”

I would answer, “I shall give you a few models to imitate and take as your guide in this endeavor.

Allah, exalted be He, says: ‘Has there come to you the story of Abraham’s honored guests? (24) When they entered upon him and said, “Peace,” he replied, “Peace—people unknown to me.” (25) Then he slipped away to his household, brought a fat calf, (26) and placed it before them, saying, “Will you not eat?” (27)… up to His words: …the All-Wise, the All-Knowing. (30)’(2)

My observation is that when you read these verses,(3) look into their meaning, and reflect on them, you see nothing more than this: the angels came to Abraham disguised as guests(4) who eat; they gave him glad tidings of a knowledgeable son; his wife was astonished at the news; and the angels told her that Allah had so decreed. Your reflection does not go beyond that.”(5)