parables, so that we may learn by their sciences and be disciplined by their manners—meaning, that we may believe in their inward realities (bawāṭin) and shield ourselves with their outward forms (ẓawāhir).

I shall provide you with further clarification regarding the depiction of the parable struck by the manifestation of our Master Jesus, son of Mary, which the Almighty likened in Surah Āl ʿImrān:

{Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.} (Āl ʿImrān: 59)

And the Almighty alerted us in Surah al-Anbiyāʾ that his manifestation and his mother’s—peace be upon them—are a Sign (Āya), by His saying:

{And We made her and her son a sign for the worlds.} (Al-Anbiyāʾ: 91)

That is, he (PBUH) was named the Son of God, the Word of Allah, and [said to be] from the Spirit of Allah. He is also called the Only Begotten Son and the Son of Man.