Reminder

One of the main reasons for the decline of the medrese sciences and their being diverted from their natural channel was the instrumental sciences ('ulûm-u âliye) being given priority over the fundamental sciences ('ulûm-u 'âliye). Just as the latter were neglected, so brains were busied with deciphering Arabic phraseology; the main sciences became subsidiary, and those profusely wordy works that were made the official syllabus took everyone's time and attention, and allowed them no opportunity to escape.

Scrupulous brother! I reckon you want to know now what the three books [^20] consist of, according to which these Premises are set out. Bide in patience a while longer, for now I'm going to tell you about a subject that forms a consise summary of those books, or is a photograph or an abbreviated chart. I am also going to present to you hastily eight or nine matters from those books. I have the idea to discuss them in detail after the Third Article, if divine will sees fit and I am visited with divine assistance. The subject is this: I'm going to rise to the sciences (ulûm) of the heavens on a journey of the spirit directly through the power of science (hikmet) by means shown by the Qur'an. From there we shall gaze down on the earth and see that it revolves like a ball or top, or a pebble flung by the All-Wise Maker's hand of power and is spinning. With the eye of wisdom we shall see that breaking into pieces it will be transformed into something better. Descending from the heavens, we shall pass through the atmosphere and gradually descend to the earth, our cradle, which the Merciful Creator has laid out and prepared for the ease and comfort of humankind. We shall then observe attentively how humankind throws away its cradle on emerging from child- hood and destroys it, and is sent to the everlasting palace of bliss. Having watched this in its entirety, we shall embark on a journey of the spirit, which is unrestricted by time and space, to the past and with the electric current of history shall there exchange news with its people. We shall learn of events in that dusky eventide, and

[^20]:For the three books, see, page 19 fn 3 above.