Those with the greatest reason have the greatest faith and certainty in what the messengers brought, and they are also the most knowledgeable, as Allah Most High says:

“Those who have been given knowledge see that what has been sent down to you from your Lord is the truth and guides to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.” {6} [Saba’ 6]

Sound reason also requires unity, for truth is neither inconsistent nor self-contradictory. What comes from Allah is therefore likewise consistent, as He says:

“A Book consistent in its parts, repeating its message.” [al-Zumar 23]

By contrast, He says:

“Had it been from anyone other than Allah, they would have found much inconsistency in it.” {82} [al-Nisā’ 82]

And He says:

“Indeed, your statements are contradictory. {8} Whoever is turned away is turned away from it.” {9} [al-Dhāriyāt 8–9]

Allah Most High has also said:

“You think they are united, but their hearts are divided. That is because they are people who do not reason.” {14} [al-Hashr 14]

He—glorified and exalted is He—thus explains that their disunity results from their lack of reason. It is well known that these practitioners of speculative theology, whether philosophers or others, are among the most divided and contentious of people. Their confusion over the meanings of body, substance, that which occupies space, and accident, and over what is affirmed or denied concerning them, is of an extent known only to Allah. Where, then, is their sound reason? They merely lay claim to reason. Yet there is a vast gulf between claiming attributes of perfection and actually possessing them.

How many have claimed to be Allah’s children and His allies, yet are among the most untruthful of people! Everyone who departs from Allah’s revealed law is bound to fabricate and lie in his claims. Among them are those who have claimed