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ArticlesOfTheIslamicFaithByGhazali, page : 94
characteristic stupidity and foolishness. Thus, whoever would
raise his head from prostration before the prayer leader,
his head would become like that of a donkey in stupidity
and foolishness. It is this which is meant and not the shape
which the literal meaning (of the words) indicates. For it
is utterly foolish to place following (the prayer leader) and
preceding (him) together because they are contradictory.
The knowledge that, in such cases, there are inner meanings which
differ from the outward significations, can only be determined
by either rational or legal evidence. The rational is
when any interpretation according to the outward meaning is
impossible, as in the words of the Prophet - the praise and
peace be upon him-
when he said: "The heart of the believer lies between two of
raise his head from prostration before the prayer leader,
his head would become like that of a donkey in stupidity
and foolishness. It is this which is meant and not the shape
which the literal meaning (of the words) indicates. For it
is utterly foolish to place following (the prayer leader) and
preceding (him) together because they are contradictory.
The knowledge that, in such cases, there are inner meanings which
differ from the outward significations, can only be determined
by either rational or legal evidence. The rational is
when any interpretation according to the outward meaning is
impossible, as in the words of the Prophet - the praise and
peace be upon him-
when he said: "The heart of the believer lies between two of