The kadi Yahya Ibn Aktham, although famous for his licentiousness, was orthodox to the marrow. It was he who said: "The Koran is the word of God, and whoever says that it has been created by man should be invited to abandon that opinion; and if he do not, his head should be struck off."
The following dialogue between Yahya and a man is very characteristic of dry Persian sagacity. The man began it, thus: "May God preserve you! How much should I eat?"
Yahya replied: "Enough to get over hunger and not enough to attain satiety."
"Till your face brightens, but without raising your voice."
"How long should I weep?"
"Weeping should never fatigue you, if it be through fear of God."
"What actions of mine should I conceal?"
"As many as you can."
"What are the actions which I should do openly?"