a proof establishing it—Allah punished them in a manner corresponding to their sins. Thus, what they say on this subject falls outside both reason and revelation, despite their claim that it rests on demonstrative rational proofs. When someone knowledgeable examines it, he finds it to consist of satanic specious arguments, akin to those of the sophists and heretics who undermine both reason and revelation.

Their opposition to revelation is plain to everyone. Those who revere and follow them merely suppose that they have mastered rational inquiry. Yet anyone who examines the matter thoroughly finds their condition reflected in the words of the inhabitants of the Fire:

“If only we had listened or reasoned, we would not be among the inhabitants of the Blaze.”

And as Allah Most High says:

“As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty person mistakes for water, until, when he reaches it, he finds nothing there. But he finds Allah there, who pays him his account in full. And Allah is swift in reckoning.”

“Or like darkness in a deep sea, covered by waves, above which are waves, above which are clouds—layers of darkness, one above another. If he stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it. Whoever Allah does not grant light has no light.”

Since their position amounted to saying that the Quran and hadith contain neither scriptural nor rational evidence on this subject, Allah deprived them of knowledge of both scriptural and rational proofs concerning it. Thus they became among the most misguided of all creatures, despite claiming to be more knowledgeable than the Companions, the Successors, and the imams of the Muslims. Indeed, they may even claim to be more knowledgeable than the prophets. This is a legacy inherited from Pharaoh and his accursed followers.