For example...

For example, if we wish to describe light or colour to one who is born blind, or the pleasures of sex to a child that has not reached the age of adolescence, we seek to achieve our purpose through comparison and allegory and through providing examples.

Therefore, if we accept the hypothesis that in the scale of Universal Existence, there are immense levels of reality that are independent of the world of matter (and this is in reality the case) and that in each generation, there are among mankind but a handful who have the capability of comprehending and having a vision of these realities, then questions pertaining to these higher worlds cannot be understood through common verbal expressions and modes of thought.

They cannot be referred to except by allusion and through symbolism. Since religious realities are of this kind, the expression of the Quran in such matters must of necessity be symbolic.

God says in His book: “We have made it an Arabic Quran so that you may exercise your reason, and it is sublime and wise with Us in the Mother Book [1] .” He also says: “That this is indeed a noble Quran, in a book kept hidden, which none touched save the purified [2] .” Concerning the Prophet and his Household, He says: “Allah’s wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, O Folk of the Household, and cleanse you with a thorough cleansing [3] .” As established by these verses, the Holy Quran emanates from sources beyond the comprehension of the common man.

No one can have a full comprehension of the Quran except those servants of God whom He has chosen to purify. In addition, the Household of the Prophet is among those pure beings. In another place, God says: “Nay, but they denied that) the Quran (the knowledge whereof they could not compass, and whereof the interpretation) in events (ta’wil hath not yet come into them [4] “ (meaning the day of Resurrection when the truth of things will become known).

And again, He says: “On the day) the Day of Resurrection (when the fulfillment] ta’wil [thereof) of the whole Quran (cometh, those who were before forgetful thereof will say: The messengers of our Lord did bring the Truth!

[5] ” Conclusion The discourse on ta’wīl highlights a fundamental distinction in Quranic interpretation: while some have historically justified reinterpreting the Quran to fit doctrinal constructs, a more authentic understanding upholds that its deeper meanings are reserved for those whom Allah has purified.