The point here is that al-Qādī initially followed those who held that the first obligation is rational inquiry into the temporal origination of bodies. He later abandoned this position and agreed with al-Khattābī and others who followed the path of the early generations and the imams. They maintained that this method is not obligatory—indeed, their discerning scholars regard it as invalid—even though rational inquiry through other, sound methods is obligatory.

Al-Qādī opened his book with these words:

“Praise be to Allah, who originated all things and brought them into being from nothing, who knew them before forming them and had power over them before creating them; who establishes signs, sets forth proofs, and makes His revelations clear; who commands those endowed with insight to reflect, and those endowed with understanding to draw lessons. He sent the messengers with warnings and sent down the Scriptures with light. He sends forth the prophets and rescues those blind to the truth.

“I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and chosen Messenger, His trusted one with whom He is pleased. He sent down to him His Book of guidance, a light for whoever seeks it, illumination for whoever draws upon it, and a guide for whoever seeks it. In it He guided them to an understanding of His wisdom, the subtlety of His handiwork, and the manifestation of His majesty. Through it He established the proof against His allies and His enemies alike. It is His speech, the like of which creation is powerless to produce, even if they were to assist one another. None can overturn His command, and none can withhold His bounty. Far exalted is He above what the deniers say.”