nor from any others. Rather, what is transmitted from all the prophets contradicts this view, either explicitly or in its apparent meaning. You yourself concede that this view is not transmitted from the prophets, but is inferred from matters we shall discuss, Allah willing. Nor is this view transmitted from any of the imams of Islam during the virtuous generations praised by the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, when he said:

“The best generations are the generation among whom I was sent, then those who follow them, then those who follow them.”

Nor was it held by any of the imams of the Muslims who enjoy an honourable reputation among the various groups of the community, who have taken them as authorities in knowledge and religion—neither the leaders in learning and doctrine nor the masters of worship and spiritual states. Nor is it the view of ordinary believers who remain true to their innate disposition. This view is known only from those discredited by deficiencies in intellect and religion, known for frequent