for those meanings, while the inward aspect consists of those meanings themselves, which become clear only to those versed in demonstration. These are the four or five categories of existents mentioned by Abū Hāmid in The Book of Distinction.”

I say: This discourse forms part of the foundations of hypocrisy—the hypocrisy of the Dahriyya. Its falsity is evident in several respects.

First, he says, “As for matters which, in their view, can be known only through demonstration because of their obscurity”—and so on. He may be asked: When you say “can be known only through demonstration,” do you mean that they cannot be conceived except through demonstration, or that they cannot rationally be assented to