those who had taken the branching paths. They neither attained what they sought nor obtained what they loved, but perished in loss and bewilderment.

Others disputed among themselves. Some said, “The correct course is what the guides have described and these experts have stated.” Others said, “Rather, the correct course lies with those who claim to be more knowledgeable and more skilful, whose directions are clearer and more truthful.” Still others were bewildered as to who was right and remained in doubt. The opposing groups fought one another, while those who stood bewildered gave aid to neither side. Through their discord, however, the welfare of their religious and worldly lives was lost. The pilgrims perished, the uproar grew, and sobbing swelled. Swords clashed, deaths multiplied, and ranks advanced against one another. There arose such turmoil, evil, and corruption as none but the Lord of all servants could reckon.

Could someone who did this to the pilgrims be said to have shown them the way and directed them to follow the guide? Or would he have ruined their religious and worldly lives, doing to them what only their fiercest enemy would do?

If he were to say, “My only intention was that the pilgrims should strive to discover the road through their own reason and unveilings, rather than rely on the words of the guides I sent to show them the way, so that they might earn the reward of combatants and their resolve might be stirred to pursue the combatants’ path”—would any rational person believe him? Would anyone with understanding accept his excuse?

This illustrates what the proponents of negation say about Allah’s messengers, whom Allah Most High sent to His creation to teach them, guide them to Allah’s way, and call them to Him, as He, Most High, says: