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ArticlesOfTheIslamicFaithByGhazali, page : 96
thing came into existence, then it would simply be an impossibility
since the non-existent does not understand address and,
therefore, cannot obey. And if it was addressed to the thing
after the thing has come into existence, then it would
be superfluous, since the thing is already in existence and
does not need to be brought into being. But whereas this metaphor
has been more impressive upon the minds in conveying the
idea of the greatest power, recourse has been made to it.
Those cases where the inner meaning is determined by means of
legal evidence are the cases which can be interpreted according
to their literal and outward signification, but, on the
authority of prophetic quotations, a meaning other than the
outward was intended, as is the case in the interpretation
since the non-existent does not understand address and,
therefore, cannot obey. And if it was addressed to the thing
after the thing has come into existence, then it would
be superfluous, since the thing is already in existence and
does not need to be brought into being. But whereas this metaphor
has been more impressive upon the minds in conveying the
idea of the greatest power, recourse has been made to it.
Those cases where the inner meaning is determined by means of
legal evidence are the cases which can be interpreted according
to their literal and outward signification, but, on the
authority of prophetic quotations, a meaning other than the
outward was intended, as is the case in the interpretation