and whose purport we comprehend, and that whose meaning we do not know at all. The purpose of revealing the latter and obliging us to recite and revere it would be to manifest complete servitude and submission to the commands of Allah Most High.

Indeed, there is a further benefit here: when a person grasps a meaning and comprehends it fully, it loses its impact on his heart. But when he does not grasp the intended meaning, while remaining certain that the speaker of these words is the wisest of judges, his heart remains forever attentive to it and continually reflects upon it. The essence of religious obligation is for one’s innermost being to be occupied with remembering Allah Most High and reflecting upon His words. It is therefore quite reasonable to say that the servant derives great benefit from keeping his mind continually directed toward this and his thoughts occupied with it. Allah Most High may therefore enjoin this as an act of worship to secure that benefit.

He said: “This, then, is what I have to offer of the arguments of the two sides on this subject.”