lies and matters that bear no relation to the words of the one he was criticizing. I have penned a multi-volume reply to him. Others of their number produced something only to tuck it away, hiding it from sight, dreading that its publication would expose their disgrace and the ignominy of ignorant, lowly folk.

Thus the whole affair of these people turns on one of two things:

(Either)

(1) outright falsehood, or else a repugnant creed. They will never be free of a lie that one of them has fabricated and forged, or of a baseless notion that brings ruin upon whoever adopts and embraces it. Such is the condition of all purveyors of falsehood—be they idolaters, unbelievers from among the People of the Book, or hypocrites.