These are the Alfaazh which in their Dalaalah (textual implication/indication), in respect to their meaning, is hidden or obscure and so they do not guide to what is intended from them but rather rest upon an external matter. There are four levels in respect to this lack of clarity:

1 – Al-Khafiy and this is the least hidden (or obscure).

2 – Al-Mushkil and it is less clear than the Khafiy.

3 – Al-Mujmal and this is less clear than the Mushkil.

4 – Al-Mutashaabih and this is very hidden and the least clear from the three previously mentioned types.