and a literal expression is one that signifies on its own,” the reply is: If this means being unqualified and unrestricted in every respect, no expression in speech is of this kind. Rather, all expressions are accompanied by others, for speech consists of either a nominal sentence or a verbal sentence, each formed from at least two individual words. Each word accompanies the other; neither is wholly free of all contextual indicators.

If, however, being unqualified and unrestricted means being free of certain contextual indicators, this is correct. All speech conveys one meaning with a contextual indicator, and another meaning when that indicator is absent and another is present. Even the word insān (human being) is used in the expression insān al-ayn (the pupil of the eye).

Expressions that are explicit in legal matters, such as those denoting divorce, marriage and so forth, may be accompanied by words that negate their usual signification, by agreement of the Muslims. For example, if someone says, “You are released from your bonds,” no divorce takes effect, by agreement. Likewise, if someone says, “O world, beguile someone else! I have divorced you three times,” or, “My love is divorced from yours,” his wife is not thereby divorced, by agreement of the Muslims.

What is designated by the term “literal usage” is discussed at length elsewhere.