Now the Answer to the Third Point, which is that some of the literal meanings of verses are contrary to rational evidences. Study the First Premise then listen to this: the Lawgiver's main aims in guiding the mass of people are proof of the Single Maker, prophethood, the resurrection of the dead, and justice. In which case, mention of the universe is secondary and digressive; it is in order to deduce from the wondrous order in the art which is clearly apparent to people [the existence] of the All-Glorious Maker, Who is the True Orderer. The works of art and their order are apparent in everything; the manner of their formation is unrelated to their main purpose.

Note

It is an established fact that the evidence has to be known before what is being asserted. Therefore, the literal meanings of some verses incline towards the people's beliefs, which are acquired through their external senses, in order to clarify the evidence and familiarise the ideas. They are not for purposes of deduction. For the Qur'an has placed hints and associations in the web of its verses which for investigators of the truth point to and indicate the pearls in those shells and the truths in the literal meanings. Yes, some verses of the Perspicuous Qur'an, which is the Word of God, expound other verses. That is, some verses disclose what is hidden in their sisters' hearts. In which case, some may indicate others; their literal meanings are not intended.

Misapprehension and Note

If it is said by way of inference or deduction (istidlâl): consider the wonders of electricity, the marvels of [the laws of] general attraction, the daily and annual rotations of the earth, the chemical combinations of the more than seventy elements, and the motionlessness of the sun together with its apparent motion! Know that the Maker exists! In this case, the art, which is the evidence, would be more obscure than the conclusion, which is knowledge of the Maker, and since it would be more obscure and contrary to the rules of inference, people would incline towards understanding some of the verses literally. But such verses contain associative expressions