The point is that whatever knowledge of universals they claim to possess—if it is indeed knowledge—can be known through analogical reasoning; it does not depend at all on the categorical syllogism of logic. Indeed, the particular instances they seek to establish through this syllogism can be known without it, more readily and easily. To establish them through what they call a demonstrative syllogism is to argue for what is more evident on the basis of what is less evident. In the art of definition, they themselves criticize defining what is clear by means of what is obscure. Yet this is an even greater fault in the art of demonstration, since the sole purpose of demonstration is to explain what is being demonstrated, make it known, disclose it, and clarify it. If that object is already clearer and more evident, this amounts to explaining what is clear by means of what is obscure.

He said:

Moreover, the philosophers who adhere to this demonstrative logic devised by Aristotle, together with the physics and metaphysics that follow it, are not a single community but disparate groups. Their divisions and disagreements, which only Allah can enumerate, are many times greater than those within any one religious community, such as the Jews or the Christians.

The further people stray from following the messengers and the revealed Books, the greater their divisions and disagreements become, for they become more deeply misguided. Thus, in the hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhī from Abū Umāmah, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“No people have gone astray after following guidance without becoming given to disputation.” He then recited the words of the Most High: “They cite this to you only for the sake of argument. Rather, they are a contentious people.”

For nothing can judge between people concerning their disputes except a revealed Book and a divinely sent prophet. As the Most High said: “Mankind was one community; then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of glad tidings and warners, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth