disobeyed and were punished. Outwardly, this is an account; inwardly, it is an admonition and a warning against acting as they did and thus suffering what befell them.

According to another view, the outward and inward aspects mean recitation and understanding. He says: Every verse has an outward aspect, namely, reciting it as it was revealed. Allah Most High says:

“and recite the Quran in a measured manner” (4) [al-Muzzammil 4]

It also has an inward aspect, namely, reflection and contemplation. Allah Most High says:

“A blessed Book which We have sent down to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses” [Sād 29]

Recitation comes through knowledge, memorization, and study, while understanding comes through sincerity of intention, reverence for its sanctity, and wholesomeness of one’s food.

By his words, “Every letter has a limit,” the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, meant a limit in recitation and interpretation that must not be exceeded. Thus, in recitation, one must not go beyond the written text of the Quran,