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The_Savior_from_Spiritual_Error_and_50_Principles, page : 40
recess, I have made an assault on every problem, I have plunged into every
abyss, I have scrutinized the creed of every sect, I have tried to discover the
secret doctrines of every group. All this have I done that I might distinguish
between true and false, between sound tradition and heretical innovation.
Whenever I meet one of the Batiniyah [Shiite], I like to study his creed;
whenever I meet one of the Zahiriyah [Wahabis], I want to know the
essentials of his belief. If it is a philosopher, I try to become acquainted with
the essence of his philosophy; if a scholastic theologian I busy myself in
examining his theological reasoning; if a Sufi, I yearn to fathom the secret of
his mysticism; if a worshipper (muta’abbid), I investigate the results of his
worshipping; if one of those who believe in the eternity of the universe
[Zanadiqah] or who deny the attributes of the Creator [Mu‟attilah], I look
beneath the surface to discover the reasons for their bold adoption of such a
creed.
To thirst after comprehension of the truth of matters was my habit and
custom from a very early age. It was instinctive with me, a part of my Allah-
given nature, a matter of temperament and not of my choice or contriving.
abyss, I have scrutinized the creed of every sect, I have tried to discover the
secret doctrines of every group. All this have I done that I might distinguish
between true and false, between sound tradition and heretical innovation.
Whenever I meet one of the Batiniyah [Shiite], I like to study his creed;
whenever I meet one of the Zahiriyah [Wahabis], I want to know the
essentials of his belief. If it is a philosopher, I try to become acquainted with
the essence of his philosophy; if a scholastic theologian I busy myself in
examining his theological reasoning; if a Sufi, I yearn to fathom the secret of
his mysticism; if a worshipper (muta’abbid), I investigate the results of his
worshipping; if one of those who believe in the eternity of the universe
[Zanadiqah] or who deny the attributes of the Creator [Mu‟attilah], I look
beneath the surface to discover the reasons for their bold adoption of such a
creed.
To thirst after comprehension of the truth of matters was my habit and
custom from a very early age. It was instinctive with me, a part of my Allah-
given nature, a matter of temperament and not of my choice or contriving.