The proof of this is their outward variation; for every law (Shari'a) among them is contrary to the other. The reason for these famous variations is the multiplicity of the aspects of the inward secret cognitions. For in each of these laws, the Exalted intended an inward meaning different from the first. Were it not for that, all their outward aspects would have been of one type, one image, one parable, and one word—without any of them ever differing from the other. Rather, the Glorified made every command and prohibition among these manifest commands and prohibitions a perceivable, ideal image that points to an unperceivable inward meaning. The variation of their outward aspects is only due to the multiplicity of the aspects of the inward meanings; for every parable among these manifest parables points to another meaning different from the first, without repeating any manifest parable or any inward meaning. For Allah (the Exalted) does not repeat anything except for a [specific] meaning, as Master Abu Shu’ayb [Muhammad ibn Nusayr] (peace be upon us) said in the book Al-Surah wa al-Mithal (The Image and the Parable):

"Indeed, the Wise is not described as repeating a thing twice—of name

attribute, promise, threat, or otherwise..."

Likewise, every book Allah sent down to a messenger from his messengers; for He intends through the rulings of His law inward