that “Zayd” signifies its referent until one first knows the referent of “Zayd.” If knowledge of its referent were acquired from the name “Zayd,” this would entail circularity.

This applies to everything that signifies a simple meaning.

Something that points to the Creator is recognized as doing so only when it is known to entail Him. This presupposes knowledge of the necessary consequent to which it points. Thus, one cannot know that something is evidence for a particular reality until one knows both that reality and the evidence, and knows that the evidence entails the particular reality it indicates. If knowledge of that particular reality were acquired from the evidence, this would entail circularity. Rather, that particular reality must already have been conceived, while these things necessarily entail it and are signs pointing to it. Whenever they are conceived, what they indicate is also conceived. Thus, it is as He said:

“An insight and a reminder for every servant who turns to Him.”

It provides insight if, for instance, a satanic prompting touches someone and makes him doubt what he previously knew. When he then sees the signs that necessarily imply His existence, this restores his clarity in the face of that subtle influence. As Allah Most High said:

“Indeed, those who fear Allah—when a prompting from Satan touches them, they remember, and at once they see clearly.”

It serves as a reminder when forgetfulness and heedlessness arise, reminding one of Allah. These signs thus provide insight against whatever ignorance may arise, and a reminder against whatever heedlessness may occur, even though the fundamental knowledge is innate and arises in the soul without any intermediary whatsoever.