Did the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, explain to his companions all the apparent and hidden meanings of the Holy Quran, including the potential interpretations of words? Is it permissible for a researcher to derive new meanings for the Quran that are consistent with the teachings of Islam? Must one believe in stories not narrated by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, such as the story of Asif ibn Barkhiya? And is the Quran of no benefit except for mere recitation, without reflection and the extraction of thoughts and ideas?

Allah revealed the Quran as guidance for humanity, and commanded reflection upon its verses, which is contemplating their meanings to benefit from them and increase faith. However, reflection is not an uncontrolled intellectual rambling or false claims, such as the interpretations of the Sufis, philosophers, and people of innovation. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified the Quran to the Companions, removed any ambiguity from it, and did not conceal any knowledge from them. The Companions knew the meanings of many Quranic verses through their eloquent Arabic tongue, just as the meaning of some verses is self-evident.

The Quran does not have apparent and hidden meanings, as those who deviate claim; rather, this is an innovated saying unknown to the predecessors. However, a single verse may have multiple facets of interpretation that further clarify the meaning, which are variations in diversity, not contradiction.

It is permissible for a specialized researcher in the sciences of the Quran, Sunnah, and the Arabic language to delve into the meanings of the Quran and derive new meanings that do not contradict the known interpretation, such as extracting scientific facts from the verses, provided that this aligns with the Book and the Sunnah.

As for the stories of the People of the Book, it is permissible to narrate them if they do not contradict Islamic law or reason, without affirming or denying them unless there is evidence.

In summary, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, delivered the message completely and clarified to people everything that brings them closer to Paradise or distances them from Hellfire. The Quran is made easy to understand, and it does not contain hidden meanings exclusive to one group over another, except for what Allah opens up for some people of knowledge in terms of correct understanding that does not contradict the religion. The Quran was revealed for reflection and contemplation to increase faith. Therefore, a Muslim should be devoted to Allah, be guided by His guidance, adhere to the Muslim community, and follow the people of knowledge.