The multitude that heard him was astounded by his cry.
Dismay and consternation seized the entire congregation. The distinguished
divines, who occupied the front seats and who were greatly revered for their
pious orthodoxy, raised a clamour, loudly protesting: “Woe betide us, the
guardians and protectors of the Faith of God! Behold, this man has hoisted the
standard of heresy. Down with this infamous traitor! He has spoken blasphemy.
Arrest him, for he is a disgrace to our Faith.” “Who,” they angrily exclaimed,
“dared authorised such grave departure from the established precepts of Islám? Who
has presumed to arrogate to himself this supreme prerogative?”
The populace re-echoed the protestations of these divines,
and arose to reinforce their clamour. The whole city had been aroused, and
public order was, as a result, seriously threatened.
(Chapter 8, ‘The
Dawn-Breakers’)
