the meaning of the Quran is false—then do not be surprised by the abundance of evidence for the truth, or by its remaining hidden from many people. The proofs of the truth are plentiful, and Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path. Say of these minds that have opposed the Messenger on such fundamental matters: “Their Creator has plotted against them.” And recite His words, Most High:

“We gave them hearing, sight, and hearts, but neither their hearing nor their sight nor their hearts benefited them at all, since they denied Allah’s signs; and what they used to ridicule engulfed them.”

[al-Ahqāf: 26].

To clarify this further, we may say: It is well known that Moses, Muhammad—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them both—and others like them were among the most accomplished people in knowledge, experience, and intellect. Both those who believed in them and those who disbelieved agree on this. Those who disbelieve in them say: “They were among the most astute people, the most knowledgeable about affairs, and the most familiar with the ways to achieve their objectives and the means to attain what they desired. Using their knowledge, skill, and intelligence, they therefore sought ways to make people believe and obey them.”

Those who believe in them, however, say: “Allah endowed them with knowledge, intellect, understanding, and certainty unmatched by anyone else in all creation.”

Wahb ibn Munabbih said: “If the intellect of Muhammad—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—were weighed against that of all the people of the earth, it would outweigh theirs.”

Since this is so, sound reason rules out the possibility that someone who wants people to believe and obey him would tell them something that, by the dictates of sound reason, requires them to deem him a liar