The ignorant and foolish among the Quraysh used to say that the Lord of Muhammad sets forth the example of the fly and the spider, and they laughed at that. Therefore, He said, 'And none knows its explanation except the scholars.' This means that only they understand its truth, beauty, and benefit. This is because examples and comparisons are merely ways to the meanings that are hidden behind veils, until they bring them forth, uncover them, and depict them for understanding. This comparison illustrates the difference between the state of the polytheist and the state of the monotheist. It is reported from the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him, that he recited this verse and said: 'The scholar is the one who understands from Allah, so he acts in obedience to Him and avoids His wrath.' [Reported by Dawood ibn al-Mujbir in the Book of Reason and Al-Harith ibn Abi Asamah in his Musnad from the narration of Jabir, and it was reported through Al-Harith al-Thalabi and Al-Wahidi, and Al-Baghawi mentioned it, and Ibn al-Jawzi listed it among the fabricated reports.]