even if it is a condition for it, just as health is a condition for learning without itself imparting it. It is in this respect that revelation calls to this method and encourages it among the practices Allah urges people to undertake—not because it is sufficient in itself, as these people supposed. Rather, if it benefits theoretical inquiry, it does so in the manner we have described. This is clear to anyone who is fair-minded and examines the matter for himself.

He said: “As for the Mu‘tazilites, none of their books has reached us in this peninsula from which we might learn the methods they followed in this matter. Their methods would appear to be of the same kind as those of the Ash‘arites.”

He said: If it is asked, “Since it has become clear that not one of these methods is the method prescribed by revelation, through which it calls all people, despite their differing natural dispositions, to acknowledge the existence of the Creator—glory be to Him