and the Messenger,” to the end of the verse. Allah Most High also says:

“We sent Our messengers with clear proofs and sent down with them the Book and the balance, so that people may uphold justice.”

For you cannot repay someone who disobeys Allah in his treatment of you better than by obeying Allah in your treatment of him:

“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.”

Allah Most High also says:

“If you are patient and fear Allah, their plotting will not harm you at all. Indeed, Allah encompasses all that they do.”

If they wish to challenge my position with whatever rational or transmitted proofs they choose, I am prepared to respond to them on every such basis. I will explain, in terms that specialists and ordinary people alike can understand, that what I say accords with the self-evident requirements of reason and innate human nature, and with the Book, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the early generations of this community. Whoever opposes it opposes clear reason and authentic transmitted evidence.

Even if I had been the first to censure others and speak in this manner, the argument would still stand against them. How much more so, then, when someone else initiated the censure?

“As for those who defend themselves after being wronged, there is no blame upon them”—this verse and the next.

“Our word has already gone forth to Our servants, the messengers: they will surely be helped, and Our forces will surely prevail.”

“Indeed, We will help Our messengers and those who believe in the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses stand forth.”

Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings, and upon the rest of the group. Give “Badr al-Dīn” especially my warmest greetings, and show him these pages if you wish, for he used to say regarding certain matters: “No secret is concealed from the beloved.” And convey glad tidings of all