the clear dictates of reason.” They tell those whom they guide along their path that they must embrace contradictory propositions and oppose both reason and revelation. They say, “The Quran is all polytheism; monotheism is found only in our words.” They also say, “We make no distinction between sisters, daughters, and wives, for existence is one. But these veiled people said, ‘Forbidden,’ so we said, ‘Forbidden to you.’”

Among the verses of this al-Tilimsānī—may Allah disgrace him—are:

“O you who reproach me, you forbid and command,
but ecstasy forbids and commands more truly.
If I obey you and defy ecstasy, I would be lost, turning blindly
from direct vision to the illusions of reports.
The very thing you call me to—if you grasp its reality—
you will see is what you forbid, my neighbor.”

He means: “You call me to worship Allah and worship none besides Him. Yet there is nothing other than Him; rather, He is the very thing you suppose to be other.” I have discussed this at length elsewhere.