fourth century and thereafter, to an extent too lengthy to describe. Such heresy and godlessness appeared among them as had never before been known among either the extremists or anyone else.
Among the remnants of these heretics—who were found in Khurasan, Syria, and elsewhere, and whose call Ibn Sīnā’s household had answered(1) during al-Hākim’s reign—are this al-Tūsī and his ilk(2), who support them, as well as Sinān and others.
The intelligent among them know their falsehood and ignorance. Yet by serving them, they acquire authority, wealth, and sensual pleasures that would otherwise be unattainable. They therefore assist them, just as one assists(3) others like them among the people of falsehood and injustice, so that desired ends may be achieved through them.
Among the Rāfida are those who say:
“The Imamate belongs to the descendants of Muhammad ibn Ismāʿīl.”
Others say:
“It belongs to the descendants(4) of Muhammad ibn Jafar ibn Muhammad, not to Ismāʿīl and his son, nor to Moses ibn Jafar.”
Still others say:
“It belongs to his son Abd Allah ibn Jafar,” who was the eldest of his surviving sons.(5) \ 99: These are called the Fathiyya(6), because Abd Allah ibn Jafar was broad-footed.
They said:
“These constitute a large group.”