"The [true] obligation is the Inward Prayer (Al-Salat al-Batina) performed in seclusion and among the believers. As for the Outward Prayer, it is not an obligation upon the Gnostic believer except when he is among the Opposites (Al-Addad)."

My father presented many proofs for this, and the Sheikh remained silent for a moment, looking at me with embarrassment at having been corrected by my father. He asked me: "Can these proofs not be interpreted in more than one way?"

I said: "Yes, but human interpretation (ta'wil) becomes void when the interpretation of the Infallibles (Ahl al-Isma) is found; as it is said: 'When water is found, the dry ablution (tayammum) is void.' We have studied much of the interpretation of the Infallibles concerning the rejection of belief and religious adherence to the Outward, and the prohibition concerning its establishment except among its people [the initiated]. He [the Sheikh] replied, saying: 'Likewise, we have found many proofs regarding the obligation of establishing the Outward (Zahir) and the exhortation toward it.'"

I said:

"Yes, and both statements are correct. However, it is impossible to reconcile these two contradictory statements except by returning to the Interpretation (Taw’il) of the Infallibles and those who have walked in their guidance: by rejecting religious adherence to and belief in the Outward in Seclusion (Al-Khilwa), while maintaining the