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When the second session was held on Friday, 12 Rajab, they had brought most of their shaykhs who had not attended the first session. They had also brought Safī al-Dīn al-Hindī, saying, “He is the foremost among them and their master in kalām (theology).” They had discussed matters among themselves, reached an agreement, and coordinated their position. They came with greater strength and preparation than before, for the first session had taken them by surprise—though it had likewise taken by surprise the person they were addressing, who was being questioned and was to answer and debate.

When we assembled, I had brought my written response to their earlier questions, which they had requested be deferred until that day. I praised Allah with the Sermon of Need, the sermon narrated by Ibn Mas‘ūd, may Allah be pleased with him. Then I said:

Allah Most High has commanded us to remain united and harmonious, and has forbidden us to become divided and disagree. He has said to us in the Quran:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

And He has said:

“Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you have nothing to do with them.”

And He has said:

“And do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them.”