“We read in the introduction to Nihâyat al-Iqdâm fi ‘ilm al-Kalâm by al-Shahrastâni (rA) two verses highlighting the futility of speculative theology: I have made the rounds of the gatherings of the learned (ma‘âhid) And cast my eyes upon the haunts of erudition (ma‘âlim); Yet never did I see but men perplexed, with their chins in their hands Or gnashing their teeth in regret.[18]-[vii]”