That being so, examine this principle in which their later scholars followed their predecessors: their use of this method to establish that the world and bodies had a beginning. Is this method rationally sound? Does it accord with revealed law? Put it to the test of the Scripture and the balance, for Allah Most High says:

“We certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance, so that people might uphold justice.”

Set aside what they say in favor of what is established from Allah’s Book and His Messenger’s Sunnah, and what is established from the Companions, those who followed them in goodness, and the leading scholars of the Muslims. Weigh it also on the sound and just scales of reason. Seek help in this from what each of the thinkers says about this method and others like it. Do not follow your desires, lest they lead you astray from Allah’s path; nor follow conjecture, for it is of no avail against the truth. Ask Allah to inspire and guide you.

For it is established in an authentic hadith conveying Allah’s own words “that Allah Most High said: ‘My servants, all of you are astray except those whom I guide, so seek My guidance, and I will guide you.’”

It is also established in Sahīh Muslim “that when the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, rose