Evidence Based on the Literal
Sense of the Qur,an
SYNOPSIS Demonstration of the evidential nature of the literal meanings of the Quran; the arguments of those who deny it, and their falsification; understanding the Quran is limited to those whom it addresses; the inference of the literal meaning by means of an exegesis based on personal judgment (ra y); ambiguities in the import of the Quran are obstacles to comprehending it; recourse to meanings that contradict the literal meanings of .the Quran invalidates the evidential character of those meanings; the prohibition to follow the ambiguous verses invalidates the evidential nature of the literal meanings of the Qur,an.

Undoubtedly, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) did not invent for himself a special way to explain his intentions. He communicated with his people through the ways of explaining and speaking to which they were accustomed. He brought the Quran in order that they would understand its meanings and reflect on its verses, so they could carry out its injunctions and be rtstrained by its threats. This purpose of the Quran is stated repeatedly in the Quran itself. Thus, God, the Exalted, says:

Will they then not meditate on the Quran, or are there locks on their hearts? (Q. ٤٧:٢٤). And verily we have coined for mankind in this Quran all kinds of similitudes, that, haply, they may reflect (Q. ٣٩:٢٧). And lo! it is a revelation of the Lord of the Worlds. Which the True Spirit has brought down, upon your heart, that you may be [one] of the warners,in plain Arabic speech (Q. ٢٦:١٩٢-١٩٥). This is a declaration for humankind, a guidance and an admonition to those who ward off [evil] (Q. ٣:١٣٨). And We have made [this Scripture] easy in your language only that they may heed (Q. ٤٤:٥٨). And in truth We have made the Quran easy to remember; but is there anyone that remem‌ bers? (Q. ٥٤:١٧). Will they not then ponder on the Quran? If it had been from other than God, they would have found therein much incongruity (Q. ٤:٨٢).

These are only some examples of Quranic verses that point to the obligation of acting upon the injunctions in the Quran, and to the necessity to adhere to what is understood from its apparent meanings.