the majority of mankind. Indeed, such doubt would also afflict most of those who have pursued these methods, once they understand their true nature.

Ibn Abd al-Barr said:

“Others explained the Prophet’s words (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), ‘Every child is born upon the natural disposition,’ as follows: By mentioning the natural disposition here, the Messenger (may Allah grant him peace) intended neither unbelief nor faith, neither recognition nor denial. Rather, he meant that every child is born sound in form, nature, and constitution, with neither unbelief nor faith, neither recognition nor denial. They subsequently adopt unbelief or faith after reaching puberty, when they can discern.

“They cited his words in the hadith:

‘Just as an animal gives birth to young that are whole’—meaning sound—‘do you find any among them mutilated?’—meaning with an ear cut off.

“He thus likened the hearts of the children of Adam to animals, which are born fully formed, with no apparent deficiency. Their ears and noses are subsequently cut, and people say, ‘These are bahā’ir, and these are sawā’ib.’ His point is that the hearts of children at birth are likewise: they then have neither unbelief nor faith, neither recognition nor denial, just like sound animals. Then, when they reached puberty