who know the meanings of the Quran, both its clear and its less clear passages. This is like His saying, Most High:

“These parables We set forth for people, but none understand them except those with knowledge.”

This indicates that those with knowledge understand them, even though others do not. Many of the early generations regarded the parables as the less clear passages. Indeed, parables fit this description more closely than other passages because of the resemblance between what is being compared and what it is compared to. Understanding their meaning is knowing their interpretation, which those firmly grounded in knowledge know, unlike others. Similar to this is His saying, Most High:

“Those who have been given knowledge see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth and guides to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.”

Had they not understood the meaning of what was revealed, how could they have known whether it was true or false? Can words whose meaning has not been grasped be judged true or false? He, Most High, also says:

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?”

And He says:

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran? Had it been from anyone other than Allah, they would have found much inconsistency in it.”

And He, Most High, says:

“Have they not reflected upon the Word, or has something come to them that never came to their forefathers?”

And He, Most High, says:

“So give good tidings to My servants who listen to what is said and follow the best of it.”

And He says:

“And those who, when reminded of the verses of their Lord, do not respond to them as though deaf and blind.”

And He says:

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand.”

And He says:

“A Book whose verses have been perfected, then set out in detail, from One who is All-Wise, All-Aware.”

And He says: “A Book