As for most speculative theologians, they say:

“Rather, he intended to convey nothing but the truth, yet used expressions that do not indicate it on their own, but require figurative interpretation. This was to spur people to discover the truth through reflection and reason, and to interpret his words, thereby increasing their reward.”

The heretics follow the path of figurative interpretation and open the door to Qarmatianism. These people permit figurative interpretation among the elite.

As for those who advocate imaginative representations, they say:

“The elite already know that his intention was to provide imaginative representations for the common people, so figurative interpretation is impossible.”

Both groups follow the approach of restraining the common people from figurative interpretation. The former, however, say: “There is a figurative interpretation that the elite understand.” This is al-Ghazālī’s approach in al-Iljām. He found it objectionable to say: “They lied to serve a beneficial purpose.” Nor does he endorse interpreting actions figuratively, as the Qarmatians do, but rather accounts concerning the angels and the Last Day. A group of philosophers likewise advocates figurative interpretation in these matters. This differs from the approach of those who advocate imaginative representations.

Al-Ghazālī mentioned this position of theirs in al-Ihyā’ when discussing their excesses in figurative interpretation. He also mentioned it in several other places, as quoted from his writings in al-Sab‘īniyya and elsewhere.