their doctrine, outwardly professes some of what they profess, and is one of their leaders.

Such a person and his like belong to the same category as Pharaoh’s people, who were made leaders calling to the Fire. The former belongs to the followers of the messengers and prophets, like Abraham’s family, whom Allah made leaders guiding by His command.

[Ibn Sīnā’s Remarks in al-Ishārāt]

What I have described to you concerning these people becomes clear to every discerning believer who has read their books and understood their intent.

What I have related from Ibn Sīnā appears in his book al-Ishārāt (Pointers), which they regard as the quintessence of philosophy. He said at its conclusion:

“O brother, if I have churned out for you in these Pointers the cream of truth, and fed you nafy al-hikam in subtle words, then safeguard it from the vulgar and ignorant, and from anyone who has not been endowed with penetrating discernment, reflection, and felicity, whose sympathies lie with the rabble, or who belongs among the heretics of these would-be philosophers and among