and “the soul,” as discussed by the philosophers, and to light and darkness, as discussed by the Magians. They profess allegiance to Muhammad ibn Ismā‘īl ibn Ja‘far and claim that he is the seventh. They speak of esoteric knowledge, “the Foundation,” “the Proof,” “the Gate,” and other matters too lengthy to describe.

Among their instructions in al-Nāmūs al-Akbar wa-l-Balāgh al-A‘zam is that they should approach Muslims through “the gateway of Shiism.” This is because they know that the Shiites are among the most ignorant groups, the weakest in reason and knowledge, and the furthest from the religion of Islam in knowledge and practice. Thus, both in earlier times and more recently, heretics have infiltrated Islam through those professing Shiism, just as warring unbelievers entered the cities of Islam, including Baghdad, with Shiite assistance. This happened under the rule of the unbelieving Turks in Baghdad, Aleppo, and elsewhere; indeed, similar things occurred through changes among the Muslims in their relations with Christians and others.

They present themselves as Shiites to those they seek to recruit. When someone responds to them, they lead him into Rāfidism and disparagement of the Companions. If they find him receptive, they lead him into attacking ‘Alī and others. Then they lead him into disparaging our Prophet and all the other prophets, saying:

“The prophets have hidden teachings and secrets contrary to what their communities follow. They were intelligent, accomplished men who advanced their worldly aims through the religious codes they devised.”

Then they disparage the Messiah, claiming that Joseph the carpenter was his father. They portray him as lacking sound judgment, on the grounds that his enemy gained power over him and crucified him. Thus they agree with the Jews in disparaging the Messiah. Yet they are worse than the Jews, for they disparage the prophets. As for Moses and Muhammad, however, they exalt their standing because of their power and their subjugation of