the divinity of ‘Alī and the imams.

Among the followers of these heretics—the people of the missionary centres—were those in Khurāsān, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere. These were among the foremost in aiding the Tatars against the Muslims, in deed and word, through support, allegiance, and other means, because their beliefs differed fundamentally from those of the Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Thus Hūlāgū, the king of the unbelievers, sanctioned their idols.

Furthermore, the Kharijites were among the most truthful people and the most faithful to their covenants, whereas these people are among the most deceitful and the most prone to breaking covenants. As for the questioner’s statement that they believe in everything brought by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, this is an outright lie. Rather, they have disbelieved in so much of what he brought that Allah alone can enumerate it. Sometimes they deny texts authentically transmitted from him; at other times they deny the meanings of the revelation. Everyone knows that their disgraceful practices, both those we have mentioned and those we have not, contradict the message with which Allah sent Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.

In His Book, Allah has praised the Companions, declared His pleasure with them, and spoken of seeking forgiveness for them; yet they disbelieve in the reality of all this. In His Book, He has commanded Friday prayer, jihad, and obedience to those in authority, yet they depart from these commands. In His Book, He has enjoined allegiance, affection, and brotherhood among the believers, and reconciliation between them, yet they depart from these teachings. In His Book, He has forbidden allegiance and affection toward the unbelievers, yet they have departed