because of their limitations and negligence, it appeared ambiguous to them, until they came to doubt it. So much for this matter. Allah Most High knows best.

The eighteenth point: This view concerning the interpretation and meaning of the Quran parallels the polytheists’ view concerning its revelation, wording, and meaning. There is no doubt that the purpose of words is to convey meaning. Whoever agrees with what the polytheists said about the meanings of the Quran therefore believes only in its wording. He is thus a hypocrite who professes Islam with his tongue but not in his heart, like those whom Allah Most High describes as saying to the messengers:

“We testify that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.” [al-Munāfiqūn 1]

Allah Most High says:

“Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are certainly liars.” (1) [al-Munāfiqūn 1]

He is also like those who said:

“‘We believe in Allah and the Last Day,’ yet they are not believers. (8) They seek to deceive Allah and those who believe, but they deceive none but themselves, though they do not realize it. (9) In their hearts is a disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and they will suffer a painful punishment for their lies. (10) When they are told, ‘Do not spread corruption on earth,’ they say, ‘We are only putting things right.’ (11) Indeed, it is they who spread corruption, but they do not realize it. (12) And when they are told, ‘Believe as the people have believed,’