like those who said, ‘We hear,’ while they do not hear (21).” [al-Anfāl 21]

All of this censures those who hear speech but neither understand its meaning nor comprehend it. Such censure is deserved only when the speech can be understood and comprehended; otherwise, no censure is deserved on that account.

The ninth is His saying, Most High:

“Allah has sent down the best of speech.” [al-Zumar 23]

And His saying, Most High:

“We relate to you the best of stories.” [Yūsuf 3]

It can only be the best of speech and the best of stories if it can be comprehended and understood. If its meaning were impossible to understand, then what can be understood and known would be better and more beneficial than it.

The tenth is His saying, Most High, in more than one place:

“We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance. Is there, then, anyone who will take heed (17)?” [al-Qamar 17]

Some of the early Muslims said, “Is there anyone seeking knowledge, that he may be helped to attain it?”