Surah 16 · Verse 44

[16:44] The Arabic word BaYaNa means (1) explain an ambiguous message; or (2) declare a hidden message. This multiplemeaning verse is one of the most abused verses by the followers of hadith hearsay. They choose the first meaning. Their rendering, however, contradicts many verses of the Quran: the Quran is explained not by Muhammed, but by its author, God Himself (75:19). Thus it is described as a "clarified/explained book" (5:15; 12:1; 26:195; 44:6), and we are reminded over and over that it is "easy to understand" (54:17,22,32,40). Thus, the second alternative is the intended meaning, since the Quran was received by Muhammed in a private session called revelation, and his job was to deliver and declare the message he received. God orders Muhammed to proclaim the revelation which is revealed to him personally. Indeed, this is the whole mission of the messengers (16:35). Thus, the word "litubayyena" of 16:44 is similar to the one in 3:187. Verse 3:187 tells us that the people who received the revelation should "proclaim the scripture to the people, and never conceal it." See 2:159,160; 3:187 and 16:64. For a comparative discussion on verse 16:44, see the Sample Comparisons section in the Introduction. The Quran is simple to understand (54:17). Whoever opens his/her mind and heart as a monotheist and takes the time to study it, will understand it. This understanding will be enough for salvation. Beyond this, to understand the multiple-meaning verses you do not need to be a messenger of God. If you have a good mind and have studied the Quran as a believer, that is, if you have a deep knowledge, then you will be able to understand the true meanings of multiplemeaning verses. The verse 3:7, which is about the multiple-meaning verses, points this fact in a multiple-meaning way (this is an interesting subject warranting another article): ". . . No one knows their true meaning except God and those who possess knowledge. . ."