We have debated (1)—both we ourselves and others—a number of them. When some of them realized the unsoundness of their position they said, “If we were to enter Islam we would be counted among the least of the Muslims, no one would pay any attention to us, whereas within our own community we rule over people’s wealth and offices and enjoy the greatest prestige!”

Was it not precisely this that kept Pharaoh and his people from following Moses?!

The causes that prevent a person from accepting (2) the truth are exceedingly many.

Among them is ignorance of it; this is the most common condition of souls, for whoever is ignorant of something opposes it and opposes its followers.

If to this ignorance there is added a dislike for the one calling him to the truth, enmity toward him, and envy of him, the obstacle to acceptance becomes stronger.

If, in addition, he is attached to and accustomed to what his forefathers—and those he loves and venerates—have been upon, the barrier grows still stronger.

If he further imagines that the truth to which he is being invited will deprive him of his rank, honor, passions, or personal aims, the impediment to acceptance becomes extremely formidable.

And if, on top of that, he fears his companions, clan, and people for his life, wealth, or standing—as happened to Heraclius, the Byzantine ruler of the Christians in Syria during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ—then the hindrance to accepting the truth increases all the more, for Heraclius recognized the truth and was about to