that there is agreement on the need to depart from the apparent meanings of texts. By this, he means departing from them on the basis of inferential arguments, as he has explained in the course of the book. He has stated that wording may not be diverted from its apparent meaning unless conclusive proof establishes that its apparent meaning is impossible, and that a conclusive proof may not be diverted from its apparent meaning unless another conclusive proof is established—and this is impossible.

What he says here contradicts the consensus of the Muslim community. Elsewhere, he himself has reported its consensus to the contrary, as we shall mention in the appropriate place, if Allah Most High wills.

Fifth: As for his statement, “The hearts of the servants are between two of