Section:

This method is clear when debating the People of the Book. If, however, the person addressed does not acknowledge the prophethood of any prophet—neither Moses nor Jesus nor anyone else—there are several ways to address him. One is to approach the discussion between followers of the revealed religions and others—polytheists, Sabians, philosophers, Brahmans, and others—in a manner analogous to the discussion between Muslims and the People of the Book.

We say: Every rational person who gives even the slightest thought and consideration knows that followers of the revealed religions are more accomplished in beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds than those who do not follow these religions. Whatever good is found among non-Muslim followers of the revealed religions is found in a more perfect form among Muslims. Moreover, followers of the revealed religions possess what others do not. This is because knowledge and practice are of two kinds:

One kind is acquired through reason, such as arithmetic and medicine, and practical occupations such as weaving, tailoring, trade, and the like. Followers of the revealed religions possess these things just as others do; indeed, they are more accomplished in them. For when the philosophical sciences—logic, natural philosophy, astronomy, and other disciplines—from the philosophers of India and Greece, together with the sciences of Persia and Rome, reached the Muslims, they refined and corrected them, owing to the excellence of their intellects and the eloquence of their speech; and it was