and his deeds are represented to him through the deeds of others] (1). For this reason, the two angels set forth a parable for David [peace be upon him] (2), one of them saying:

“Indeed, this is my brother. He has ninety-nine ewes, while I have only one. Yet he said, ‘Entrust her to me,’ and overpowered me in speech.” David said, “He has certainly wronged you by demanding your ewe in addition to his own ewes.”

[Surah Sād: 23–24], and the remainder of the verse.

Setting forth parables is among the means by which the true state of affairs becomes apparent. It is a form of rational analogy by which Allah guides whomever He wills among His servants. The Most High said (3):

“We have certainly set forth for mankind every kind of parable in this Quran, so that they may take heed.”

[Surah al-Rūm: 27]

And the Most High said:

“These are the parables We set forth for mankind, but none comprehend them except those endowed with knowledge.”

[Surah al-Ankabūt: 43]. (4)

[This forms part of the Balance which Allah sent down (5), as the Most High said:

“It is Allah who sent down the Book in truth and the Balance.”

[Surah al-Shūrā: 17]

And He said:

“We certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Book and the Balance, so that people might uphold justice.”

[Surah al-Hadīd: 25]

This has been discussed at length elsewhere, where it has been shown that every universal rational syllogism—whether formulated according to the method of Greek logic or otherwise—is of the same class as analogical syllogism; that the purpose of both kinds of syllogism is one and the same; and that both fall within the meaning of the Balance which Allah Most High sent down. It has also been shown that, among those features peculiar to Greek logicians, some are false and others are needless prolixity. Indeed, their harm generally exceeds their benefit, as has already been discussed at length with regard to Greek logic