and we shall discuss this, Allah willing, when we address what has been said concerning the words of Allah Most High:

“And no one knows its interpretation except Allah.” [Āl ‘Imrān 7]

As for the term “apparent,” it should be understood that it may refer to the wording itself, because it is perceptible to the ear or because its meaning is apparent to the heart. It may refer to the meaning that the wording makes apparent to the heart, or to both.

It should also be understood that what is apparent and what is hidden are relative: something may be apparent to one person or group but not to others. This may sometimes be due to factors associated with the speech or the speaker, sometimes to factors relating to the listener, and sometimes to other causes.

Furthermore, the apparent meaning of an expression need not be determined solely by the linguistic meaning assigned to it in isolation. It may arise from the literal sense established by language, customary usage, or the Sharia. It may also arise from figurative usage, when the accompanying verbal and situational indications make that sense the expression’s apparent meaning—according to those who call it figurative. As for those who reject calling it figurative, whether in the Quran or