is impossible”—the same can be said regarding the point at issue, just as some speculative theologians have said that it could only have been done when it was done. Indeed, reason may perceive an even greater impossibility in nonexistence than it perceives in these particular characteristics. And Allah, glorified and exalted is He, knows best.

As for these people’s opposition to what the messengers brought from Allah and what He revealed in His Books, it is far too extensive and grave to describe here. Nevertheless, those hypocrites among them who have entered religious communities—including the heretical Qarmatian esotericists and the philosophers and others who resemble them—claim to reconcile the divine Books with this corrupt, deviant philosophy. This is what the authors of the epistles they called the Epistles of the Brethren of Purity and others have done. Anyone who has gained a sound understanding of some of what the messengers brought and some of what these people uphold knows that they are enemies of the messengers and the rot within religions. When they profess agreement with the messengers, they are among the most hypocritical toward them; when they openly oppose them, they are among the fiercest in hostility, disbelief, and warfare against them. Indeed, they are the leaders of unbelief in every faction, as Allah Most High says:

“And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection they will not be helped.” (41) [al-Qasas 41]

Allah Most High also says:

“Those who dispute concerning Allah’s signs without any authority having come to them have nothing but pride in their hearts, though they will never attain the greatness they seek. So seek refuge in Allah. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.” (56) [Ghāfir 56]

Allah Most High also says:

“When their messengers came to them with clear proofs, they rejoiced in the knowledge they possessed, and they were engulfed by what they used to ridicule. (83) Then, when they saw Our punishment, they said, ‘We believe in Allah alone and disbelieve in what we used to