Likewise, an expression made definite by the definite article referring to something already known denotes, in each instance, what the addressee recognizes, either through prior familiarity or through the preceding wording. Although what is intended in one instance is not what is intended in another, the two have both a shared element and a distinguishing element. Thus Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, We have sent to you a Messenger as a witness over you, just as We sent to Pharaoh a messenger.”

“But Pharaoh disobeyed the messenger.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Do not make the Messenger’s calling among you like your calling one another.”

Both passages contain the word “messenger” with the definite article. However, the familiar, known referent in the former is the messenger sent to Pharaoh, namely Moses, peace be upon him. In the latter, the familiar, known referent for those addressed by His words, “Do not make the Messenger’s calling among you,” is Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Both usages are literal, and the term is univocal. It is made definite by the article in both passages, but the understood reference in one passage differs from that in the other. This is one of the factors through which an expression conveys meaning: the definite article conveys its meaning only when the addressee knows the familiar referent.

The same applies to demonstratives, such as “this,” “these,” and “those.” In each instance, a demonstrative denotes only what is being indicated there. There must therefore be a situational or verbal indication clarifying that what is being indicated is something other than the demonstrative expression itself. The intended meaning is conveyed only through that indication together with the demonstrative expression, just as, with the definite article, the intended meaning is conveyed only through the article itself