and is content with his authority over them and the worldly advantages he gains. Such were the man in Jerusalem known as “Ibn al-Būrī,” the man in Damascus known as “Ibn al-Quff,” the man in Constantinople whom they call “the pope,” and many leading popes, metropolitans, and bishops. When discerning men spoke with them, they acknowledged that they did not hold Christian beliefs. They remained as they were only out of habit and for the sake of leadership, just as kings and wealthy men retain their sovereignty and wealth.
Thus, you find that most of their learned men devote themselves only to some branch of the mathematical sciences, such as logic, astronomy, arithmetic, and astrology; or to natural science, such as medicine and knowledge of the elements; or to discussing metaphysics in the manner of the Sabian philosophers to whom Abraham, Allah’s intimate friend, peace be upon him, was sent. They have cast behind their backs the religion of the Messiah and the messengers before and after him, preserving only its outward forms for the sake of the rulers and the common people.
As for the monks, they have devised schemes and tricks to deceive the common people that are plain to every rational person. Indeed, learned men have written books about the monks’ tricks. One example is the fire that used to be manufactured at Qumāma. They coat a fine thread with sandarūs and quickly set it alight, so that the flame descends. The ignorant then believe that it has descended from heaven and carry it to the sea. Yet it is the handiwork of that monk, whom people see with their own eyes; he and others have admitted that they manufacture it.
Those who uphold the truth, from every group, have agreed that it is not permissible to worship Allah