Earthquakes and similar events belong to the class of transformations in which a body passes from one state to another for which it is naturally suited. Whenever an active agent coincides with a receptive capacity, the change takes place. Just as air can turn into water when the requisite causes are present, so the earth’s movement and trembling are possible through certain causes, and bodily illnesses arise from causes as well; on that basis, such effects could indeed be brought about by psychic forces.

A magician may influence the conditions of bodies, yet he does not overturn their very essences; his effect is limited to the causes of illness, death, and the like. As for turning a piece of wood into a living serpent, they hold this to be impossible—whether by psychic powers or by anything else.

Those who deny any influence whatsoever for the soul’s powers—among them certain scholastic theologians from the Ashʿarites and Muʿtazilites, together with some physicians, philosophers, and others—base their refusal on this very principle. We, however, need not insist upon that principle, for there is nothing to prevent the soul’s powers from exercising a degree of influence, just as other entities possess their own powers, even though entities and their strengths differ.

There is no doubt about the might of Gabriel, of whom God says, “taught by one mighty in power, endowed with soundness, and he rose” and also, “Indeed, it is the word of a noble messenger, possessed of power, stationed with the Lord of the Throne, obeyed there and trustworthy.” It is reported that he uprooted the six towns of Lot’s people, raised them aloft, and then overturned them upon their inhabitants. There can therefore be no doubt that this power which—