As for its usefulness specifically in Islamic learning, this is too evident to require explanation. Thus, you find that those who received the sciences of the ancients and recast them in Arabic, bringing Muslim minds to bear on them, achieved a degree of completeness, precision, comprehensiveness, and concision absent from the writings of the ancients. Although some of these later thinkers harbored hypocrisy and misguidance, they nevertheless benefited, on the whole, from the blessing of the concise yet comprehensive speech with which the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was sent, and from the knowledge and eloquence bestowed upon his community, in which no other community has shared.

Furthermore, the discipline of logic was devised by their First Teacher, Aristotle, the author of the teachings followed by the innovators among the Sabians. He devised it as a measure by which to assess what he and his like discussed of their wisdom and philosophy, which represented the height of their attainment.

This philosophy has two branches: theoretical and practical. The soundest theoretical subjects—the gateway to truth—are those of arithmetic and mathematics. As for practical philosophy, it concerns the cultivation of good character and the sound management of the household and the city.

Undoubtedly, this includes knowledge and practices that distinguish them from those ignorant members of humanity who have neither a revealed scripture nor a messenger sent to them, and that entitle them to precedence over such people. It also offers benefits for the sound ordering and flourishing of worldly life that are encompassed by what the messengers brought. Likewise, it includes speaking and following the truth, enjoining justice, and forbidding corruption—all of which are encompassed by what the messengers brought.