It goes without saying that if a person did not have such...

It goes without saying that if a person did not have such preconceived notions (to implant into the Qur`an) then he would never think about interpreting the Qur`an in such a fashion.

In the course of history, we see groups of people, referred to as the Batiniyyah [those who claimed to be researching into the inward content of the verses of the Qur`an] and others who claimed to be ’Urafa` (mystics), and as of recent, other misguided groups - even within our own era - who have played around with the verses of the Qur`an who have sought to explain The Book according to their own wishes.

Not only are these people themselves misguided, rather, they are also the source of misguiding others! At this point, we bring forth the following simple example and leave the detailed examples and illustrations for another time.

There comes forth from them pearls, and coral.” In these verses, the following topics are covered: There are two bodies of water which meet together. Between these two bodies of water, there is a barrier present which does not permit the waters to mix with one another. From these two bodies of water, there are jewels such as pearls and coral, which are extracted. What is the meaning of these two seas or bodies of water from which pearls and coral are extracted?

What is the meaning of the two different types of water which meet together somewhere in this, world; however, as we are told, the water of one sea never mixes with the water of the other sea? Is the difference in the two types of water a natural one - such as one being sweet and delicious tasting water, while the other one is salty and bitter; or is one body of water clear, transparent (clean) water while the other is dark, murky and dirty?

Where do these two bodies of water exist in the world today and where can they be found? At present, our discussion is not the actual location of these bodies of water. However, when Muhy ad-Din al-Arabi (d.