—and the esoteric Sufis.

Some of them contend that the Messenger actually knew these ultimate realities but chose not to disclose them. Instead, they say, he deliberately spoke in terms that contradict those realities and intended the people to understand the very opposite of the truth, because, in their view, the welfare of the masses lies in holding beliefs that do not correspond to reality.

They go on to argue that the Messenger was obliged to invite people to believe in anthropomorphism—even though it is false—, to affirm a physical resurrection of bodies—even though it is false—, and to tell them that the inhabitants of Paradise eat and drink—even though that is false. Their justification is that there is no other way to summon humanity except by employing a method that contains untruths for the benefit of Allah’s servants. Such, according to them, is the significance of the texts dealing with faith in Allah and the Last Day.

As for practical deeds, some of them accept these works as they stand, while others treat them in precisely the same way.