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ArticlesOfTheIslamicFaithByGhazali, page : 101
The fifth category is where concrete words are used figuratively.
Those with lessor intellect will regard the literal and
visible meaning sensible and will not go beyond it; but the
man who has an insight for realities will comprehend the secret
it contains. This is like the words of him who said, "The
wall said to the peg, 'why do you split me?' The peg replied
'Ask the one who is hitting me and does not let me go. Go
and see the mallet which is behind me.'" This is, undoubtedly,
figurative.
Of the same kind are the following Words of Allah, "Then He willed
to the heaven, when it was smoke, and to it and to the
earth He said: 'Come willingly, or unwillingly.' 'We come willingly',
Those with lessor intellect will regard the literal and
visible meaning sensible and will not go beyond it; but the
man who has an insight for realities will comprehend the secret
it contains. This is like the words of him who said, "The
wall said to the peg, 'why do you split me?' The peg replied
'Ask the one who is hitting me and does not let me go. Go
and see the mallet which is behind me.'" This is, undoubtedly,
figurative.
Of the same kind are the following Words of Allah, "Then He willed
to the heaven, when it was smoke, and to it and to the
earth He said: 'Come willingly, or unwillingly.' 'We come willingly',