about Himself, while requiring some groups to believe its apparent meaning—if they do not believe it, they become disbelievers—and requiring others to believe the opposite of what the former believe—if they share the former’s belief, they become disbelievers. Yet despite all this, He neither identifies who belongs to either group nor explains the meaning He intends that differs from the apparent meaning. Rather, He leaves people in disagreement and confusion.

This philosopher claimed that disagreement arose only because scholars disclosed figurative interpretations to the common people, thereby leading them astray by dividing them. Yet he has portrayed the Messenger himself as having led the elite astray and caused division and disagreement among them, by intending through this discourse a hidden meaning that he required them to believe without explaining it to them. This is far, far worse in misleading people and dividing them. Moreover, misleading the elite and dividing them is worse than misleading the common people and dividing them. Thus, he has attributed to the prophets something worse than the fault for which he denounced the speculative theologians.

Allah Most High said to the messengers:
“Establish the religion and do not become divided over it.” [al-Shūrā 13]

He also said:
“Indeed, this religion of yours is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” {92} [al-Anbiyā' 92]

He also said:
“Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you have nothing to do with them.” [al-An'ām 159]

He also said:
“O you who believe, fear Allah as He should be feared