Yahya said: And in the exegesis of Ibn Abbas, he said: The Quran was revealed in four ways: a lawful and a prohibited [part] which people are not excused for being ignorant of; an interpretation which the scholars know; an Arabic language which the Arabs recognize; and a metaphorical interpretation (ta'wil) which none knows except Allah.

"But those firm in knowledge say, 'We have believed in it; all [of it] is from our Lord.' And none will be reminded except those of understanding," meaning those with intellects; and they are the believers.