The Quran brings clear proofs and guidance—clear signs that constitute conclusive evidence. Allah, Most High, said to His Messenger:

“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good exhortation, and debate with them in the best manner.”

The philosophers interpret this in terms of their logical methods of demonstration, rhetoric, and dialectic. This is misguided in several respects, as explained at length elsewhere. Rather, wisdom is knowing the truth and acting upon it. Hearts endowed with understanding and resolve are called through wisdom: the truth is made clear to them in matters of knowledge and action, so they accept it and act upon it. Others acknowledge the truth but have desires that prevent them from following it. These are called through good exhortation, which encourages adherence to the truth and warns against falsehood.

Exhortation consists of commands and prohibitions accompanied by encouragement and warning, as the Most High said:

“If they had done what they were exhorted to do.”

And the Most High said:

“Allah admonishes you never to repeat anything like it.”

Calling through these two methods is for those who accept the truth. Those who do not accept it are to be debated in the best manner. The Quran contains both approaches. Thus, when presenting an argument, it poses questions about clear, demonstrative premises that no one can deny, so that the addressee affirms the truth and acknowledges that falsehood must be rejected. Examples include His words:

“Were they created from nothing, or are they themselves the creators?”

And His words:

“Were We wearied by the first creation? Yet they are in doubt about a new creation.”

And His words:

“Is not He who created