be the work of human beings, given the clear paths to recognizing this. This is especially so since Allah stirred the hearts of all those to whom the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent, prompting them to examine his signs by breaking the customary order of things for him and bringing upon them the punishments he warned them of when they turned away from him and opposed him—as we have mentioned concerning such occurrences in the cases of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

Since matters are as we have described, it becomes clear to you—may Allah guide you—that using their reports, peace be upon them, as evidence for everything we have been called to know and for what cannot be perceived by the senses offers clearer paths than reasoning from accidents. In light of their perceptible proofs that have been witnessed, this leads more directly to a clear understanding than the arguments relied upon by the philosophers and their followers among the adherents of deviant doctrines, who were taken in by them. For they are far removed from doubts, as we have mentioned, whereas those among the people we have named who resort to this latter form of reasoning are susceptible to doubts. The same applies to that which Allah forbade His messengers to rely