It is well known that, in the matters of knowledge and faith contained in the details of the Quran’s verses, people differ to an extent we cannot measure. People differ greatly in their understanding of the Quran, which they read night and day. Allah has raised some people above others in rank, as He Most High says:

“Allah will raise those of you who believe and those who have been given knowledge by degrees.”

Indeed, some reports harm certain people when they hear them, whereas others are required to know and believe what those reports convey. ‘Alī, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Tell people what they can understand, and leave aside what they would reject. Would you like Allah and His Messenger to be disbelieved?”

‘Abd Allah ibn Mas‘ūd, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“No man relates to a people a report beyond their understanding without its becoming a trial for some of them.”

Thus, reports of this kind, heard from the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, or from someone who heard them from him, and known to have been spoken by him, must be believed by whoever hears them. If he understands their intended meaning, he is obliged to know it and believe in it.

For others, however, it is often inappropriate to hear them, although in different circumstances it may be appropriate for them to hear and understand them.

The Quran is a source to which all creation comes, and each receives from it according to what Allah has allotted him. He Most High says:

“He sends down water from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their capacity