The trough filled up and said, “Enough for me!
Enough! Gently now—you have filled my belly.”

And the girths around its belly spoke.

And the wall said to the peg, “Why do you split me?”

According to Muslims, Allah’s speaking cannot be placed in this category. Those who say that He does not know particulars, however, may place His speaking in this category.

The second degree is when the source of the indication knows what is indicated, but does not intend to convey understanding to an addressee. Rather, his condition reveals to the observer what he knows. This includes sounds that indicate something naturally, such as weeping, laughter, and the like. These indicate what a person knows of his own state, such as sorrow or joy. Likewise, the pallor of fear and the blush of embarrassment indicate what a person knows of his own fright and shame, even if he does not intend to communicate it.

An example of this is the poet’s saying:

The eyes tell me what the heart conceals;
There is no good in rancour or in hostile glances.

And another poet’s saying:

The eye knows, from the eyes of the one addressing it,
Whether he is an ally or an enemy.

Also belonging to this category are the words of Allah Most High:

“If We willed, We could show them to you, and you would recognize them by their marks; but you will surely recognize them by the tone of their speech.” [Muhammad: 30]

Thus, he learns from their outward signs