its true meaning. Yet he himself accepts statements whose true meaning he does not know, and follows speakers whom he knows are sometimes wrong and sometimes right.

I have observed this among the groups that oppose the Book and the Sunnah—even in the slightest matter—whose books I have read, with whom I have spoken, or about whom I have received reports: whenever a rational proof is established against one of them which his own method obliges him to accept, and he finds no means of refuting it, he retreats into blind imitation and takes refuge in his teachers’ statements. Initially, however, he had called for rational inquiry, debate, adherence to rational arguments, and turning away from scriptural teachings.

In the end, he has gained knowledge neither from revelation nor from reason. Rather, he is as Allah Most High says:

“And among the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge and follows every rebellious devil.”
[al-Hajj: 3]

And as He Most High says:

“And among the people is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge, guidance, or an enlightening Book.”
[al-Hajj: 8]

And as He Most High says:

“And We turn their hearts and their eyes away, just as they did not believe in it the first time, and We leave them wandering blindly in their transgression.”
[al-An‘ām: 110]

And as He says:

“Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; rather, they are even further astray.”
[al-Furqān: 44]

And as He Most High says:

“And on the Day when the wrongdoer bites his hands, he will say, ‘Oh, if only I