in its specific form. As for the view of those who affirm causal generation, some of it is true and some false. If they claim that the knowledge thus generated arises solely through the servant’s power, that is certainly false. Rather, it arises through two factors: the servant’s power and another cause, such as the force in an arrow and the receptivity of what it strikes. There is no doubt that examining evidence occurs through a cause; the question, however, is what completes the acquisition of knowledge.

As for the philosophers’ claim that this occurs through the Active Intellect, it is an unfounded myth. Still more false is their claim that this is Gabriel. Their further claim that all bodily forms and their perfections arising in the world of the elements proceed from its emanation and are caused by it is among the most utterly false claims.

Nevertheless, their attribution of this to spiritual factors is broadly correct. Allah, glorified and exalted, governs the affairs of the heavens and the earth through His angels, who are the emissaries of His command. The very word malak (angel) indicates this. The prophets have reported this, and the Quran and sunnah attest to it with more evidence than can be mentioned here. This includes what the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said about the angels entrusted with the formation of the embryo and other matters. But singling out one spirit connected to the lunar sphere as the lord of this world is false.

This is not the place to examine that exhaustively. Yet it must be understood that the initiating influence upon the soul’s awareness and activity comes from angels or devils. The angel prompts affirmation of the truth and commands good, while the devil prompts denial of the truth and commands evil. Affirmation and denial accompany a person’s examination of evidence, just as commands and prohibitions accompany his will.