these principles.

If that is so, an error concerning these questions does not undermine the essence of Islam. This entails refraining from declaring those who pray towards the qiblah to be unbelievers.

He then said:

“As for a well-ordered act indicating knowledge, you already know that this is self-evident. As for a miracle indicating truthfulness, we have shown that this too is self-evident. Once these principles are known, it becomes possible to know that the Messenger—peace be upon him—is truthful. Thus, knowledge of the principles upon whose validity the prophethood of Muhammad—peace be upon him—depends is clear and evident. The discussion of these principles has been lengthy only to dispel the doubts raised by proponents of falsehood, whether concerning the premises of these proofs or the arguments advanced against them. Addressing these doubts becomes obligatory only once they arise. It is therefore established that the foundations of Islam are clear and evident. Moreover, the proofs for them are set out exhaustively in the Book of Allah Most High, free of anything that might be imagined to contradict them.”

He then went on to say:

“We reply: In this book, we have presented five conclusive ways of establishing knowledge of the Creator, without any need for the inferential argument they mentioned. And Allah knows best.”