Tabatabai and the Theory of "the Kernel of Meaning" as a Device for Explaining Metaphorical Words of the Quran

There are two basic viewpoints about the metaphorical words of the Quran such as: tablet, pen, throne, stool etc. These words, according to one viewpoint, are literally used in their sensible meanings but metaphorically in the philosophical meanings. According to the other viewpoint, however,they are literally and really used even in their philosophical meanings. According to this view that we have called it, inspired by Ghazali, the "theory of the kernel of meaning, words are coined for the universal meanings and, in other words, for the kernel of meaning, not only for the sensible instances. This idea is proposed for the first time by Ghazali and then many philosophers and mystics agreed with his idea. This view has three readings one of which is elaborated in Al-Mizan.