Observe, were this people today to receive such answers in reply to such questionings, they would unhesitatingly reject and denounce them—­nay, they would again utter the self-same cavils, even as they have uttered them in this day.  All this, notwithstanding the fact that these Essences of being are immensely exalted above such fanciful images, and are immeasurably glorified beyond all these vain sayings and above the comprehension of every understanding heart.  Their so-called learning, when compared with that Knowledge, is utter falsehood, and all their understanding naught but blatant error.  Nay, whatsoever proceedeth from these Mines of divine Wisdom and these Treasuries of eternal knowledge is truth, and naught else but the truth.  The saying:  “Knowledge is one point, which the foolish have multiplied” is a proof of Our argument, and the tradition:  “Knowledge is a light which God sheddeth into the heart of whomsoever He willeth” a confirmation of Our statement.

Inasmuch as they have not apprehended the meaning of Knowledge, and have called by that name those images fashioned by their own fancy and which have sprung from the embodiments of ignorance, they therefore have inflicted upon the Source of Knowledge that which thou hast heard and witnessed.

For instance, a certain man,(141) reputed for his learning and attainments, and accounting himself as one of the pre-eminent leaders of his people, hath in his book denounced and vilified all the exponents of true learning.  This is made abundantly clear by his explicit statements as well as by his allusions throughout his book.  As We had frequently heard about him, We purposed to read some of his works.  Although We never felt disposed to peruse other peoples’ writings, yet as some had questioned Us concerning him, We felt it necessary to refer to his books, in order that We might answer Our questioners with knowledge and understanding.  His works, in the Arabic tongue, were, however, not available, until one day a certain man informed Us that one of his compositions, entitled Irshadu’l-’Avam,(142) could be found in this city.  From this title We perceived the odour of conceit and vainglory, inasmuch as he hath imagined himself a learned man and regarded the rest of the people ignorant.  His worth was in fact made known by the very title he had chosen for his book.  It became evident that its author was following the path of self and desire, and was lost in the wilderness of ignorance and folly.  Methinks, he had forgotten the well-known tradition which sayeth:  “Knowledge is all that is knowable; and might and power, all creation.”  Notwithstanding, We sent for the book, and kept it with Us a few days.  It was probably referred to twice.  The second time, We accidentally came upon the story of the “Mi’raj"(143) of Muhammad, of Whom was spoken:  “But for Thee, I would not have created the spheres.”  We noticed that he had enumerated some twenty or more sciences, the knowledge of which he considered to be