only, let alone the traditions narrated concerning the rejection of belief in it [the exoteric].

Let us return to completing the interpretation of the noble verse through the tongue of our master Talut: {So whoever drinks from it is not of me}—meaning every believer in it [the exoteric science] is disassociated from him. Likewise, the meaning of the Exalted’s saying through his tongue: {And whoever does not taste it is indeed of me}, serves as an indication that he who does not believe in it is of his party.

And His saying: {Except one who scoops a handful with his hand}, is to indicate that it is permissible for the believer to preserve a small amount of the exoteric science—and that is only to the extent by which he conceals the esoteric—not that he should believe in that "handful." For Allah did not say "except he who drinks a handful," rather He, Glory be to Him, said: {Except one who scoops a handful with his hand}.

and that is in order to establish it among the Opposites (al-Adad) for concealment, not for belief in it.

As for the saying of the Exalted: {But they drank from it, except a few of them}, its meaning is clear because all nations, peoples, and tribes collectively believe in the exoteric sciences, except for a few of them, and they are the believers, according to the saying of the Exalted: {Except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and few are they} (Sad 24).