-
The_Foundations_of_the_Islamic_Belief, page : 75
is
proverbial, not for its form and shape, but for its 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 the fingers
of the Merciful (Allah)." When we examine the hearts of the believers we shall not find them
surrounded
with fingers, and consequently we shall know that the words are used metaphorically for power which
proverbial, not for its form and shape, but for its 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 the fingers
of the Merciful (Allah)." When we examine the hearts of the believers we shall not find them
surrounded
with fingers, and consequently we shall know that the words are used metaphorically for power which