—as though it could be hidden from Him the way it might be concealed from people! (1)

Had they truly known the One they worship, they would never have addressed Him on some occasions by saying, “O our father, wake up from your sleep—how long will you slumber?” (2)!!

Had they really known Him, they would not have hurried to wage war against His prophets, killing, imprisoning, and banishing them; nor would they have devised stratagems to render His prohibitions lawful and to void His obligations through every kind of ruse. Even the Torah has borne witness to their lack of insight and that they are among the dull-witted.

Had they known Him, they would not have restricted Him (3) with their corrupt reasoning, insisting that He command something at one time for a benefit and then be unable to revoke (4) that command at another time once the benefit has been achieved and replaced by something better; nor that He forbid something and later permit it, in keeping with the differing times, circumstances, and the balance of benefits and harms—just as we observe in His creational decrees that govern the universe, whose order and welfare can be preserved only through their alteration (5) and variation according to situations, times, and places.

If a physician were to persist in never changing medicines and diets in line with variations of era, location, and condition, he would destroy both crops and offspring and would be deemed among the ignorant. How, then, can anyone presume to constrain the Physician of hearts and religions, refusing to allow His rulings to change with the shifting of interests? Is that not, in fact, an affront to His wisdom and mercy, His perfect power and sovereignty, and His governance of His creation?!!