to abandon it. If that evidence is a conclusive text, no consideration is given to what contradicts it; if it conveys an apparent meaning, the competing evidence must be weighed.
(Fourth:
When the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, says something while intending a meaning contrary to its apparent and literal meaning, he must explain to the Muslim community that he does not intend its literal meaning but a figurative one, whether or not he specifies that figurative meaning. This is especially so in discourse concerning knowledge, where what is required of them is belief and knowledge rather than bodily action. For Allah, glorified and exalted be He, made the Quran a light, guidance, clarification for humanity, and a healing for what is in their hearts. He sent the messengers to explain to people what had been revealed to them, to judge between them concerning their disagreements, and so that people would have no argument against Allah after the messengers.
Moreover, this “Messenger,” an unlettered Arab, was sent with the most eloquent of languages and the clearest speech and expression. Those of his community who learned from him possessed the deepest knowledge, were the most sincere in their concern for the community, and explained the Sunnah most clearly. Thus, neither he nor they could use words while intending something contrary to their apparent meaning without providing evidence that precludes understanding them according to that apparent meaning.
This evidence may be readily apparent rational evidence, as in His saying:
“She has been given of all things.”
Everyone knows through reason that this means she was given the kinds of things that someone like her would be given. Likewise, in the words:
“Creator of all things,”
the listener knows that the Creator is not included in this general statement. Or it may be clear scriptural evidence, such as the indications in the Quran and Sunnah that divert certain expressions from their apparent meanings.
It is not permissible for him to refer them to obscure evidence that only a few individuals can deduce, whether scriptural or rational. For if he uses words that convey a particular meaning and repeats them a number of times