The Light of Truth — Page 251
A CHALLENGE TO IMAD-UD-DIN AND HIS ASSOCIATES ignoramus! Know that eloquence depends upon [the use of] words that are accepted-whether they originate from the language of those people or are words that have been adopted and used knowingly by the most eloquent orators of those people; whether they come from the language and common expressions of a single people, or are words that have been embraced and used by the most eloquent native speakers of the language, which they have used in poetry and prose with no fear of reproach, and chosen wilfully and without compulsion. So when the basis of eloquence rests upon this rule, then the same measure applies to those ascendant, thundering words [of the Quran] that are in the highest heavens of eloquence. Accordingly, it is not at all objectionable that a foreign word should be accepted by eloquent speakers; rather, this practice can enhance eloquence on occasion. Indeed, in certain places, the most skilful orators find it to be beautiful, and the most expressive rhetoricians take pleasure in it. You, on the other hand, are a shallow and ignorant per- son-and what's more, you are hasty in forming judgements and stubborn. And so, you know nothing besides your own hatred and ignorance, and the steps you take are only into your own abyss. You know neither the Arabic language nor the meaning of eloquence. Only shamelessness issues forth from you, and you have been taught nothing besides insulting the pious and holy people. O heedless one! Give up the ways of the wicked. Have some shame and look at yourself in the mirror of thoughtful reflec- tion. Have you once in your entire life read anything relating to the philological sciences of Arabic? Among its linguistic tech- niques, do you know the arts of highs and lows? Have you ever even strung together two words of Arabic, or composed a verse or two of poetry? If you claim any of this, then bring forth some clear proof of it. 251