the polytheists, and it is the religion of the people of Macedonia and other cities inhabited by these polytheistic Sabian philosophers.

The Alexander for whom Aristotle served as minister was (1) Alexander, son of Philip of Macedon, from whose reign the Jews and Christians reckon their dates. He lived three hundred years before Christ [peace be upon him] (2). He was not the Dhū al-Qarnayn mentioned in the Quran, for Dhū al-Qarnayn lived before him and was one of the upright monotheists, whereas Alexander and his minister [Aristotle] (3) were unbelievers who espoused magic and polytheism.

For this reason, the Ismailis adopted what these men taught concerning (4) the Intellect and the Soul, as well as what the Magians taught concerning light and darkness. They fashioned a composite doctrine from these teachings and Shiism, referring to them as “the Preceder” and “the Follower,” as has been explained at length in its proper place.

The foundational doctrine of the polytheists and the negators (5) is false, as is that of the Magians. The Qadariyya exclude some (6) occurrences from Allah’s creation and power, thereby assigning Him a partner in His sovereignty.

These eternalists are even worse in this regard, for their doctrine necessarily excludes all occurrences from Allah’s creation and power and affirms numerous partners with Him in His sovereignty. Indeed, it necessarily negates the Maker altogether. For this reason, (7) their First Teacher Aristotle