Al-Afriqi was one of the members of the "Council of Ten" that Al-Mahdi formed from his early supporters, entrusting him with decisive roles in important matters.

Doubt in Al-Mahdi became evident in Abu Yusuf Ya'qub. He possessed a philosophical and critical mind that led him to examine and test the Mahdiya. He concluded with doubt, even certainty of its falsehood, but he kept this conviction hidden and did not announce it to the public.

Evidence of this is what Al-Marrakshi mentioned in his description of Al-Mansur's visit to the tomb of Ibn Tumart. A group of women became intensely enthusiastic and began to express their loyalty to Al-Mahdi with various songs and chants. He said: "I was told by someone who saw the Commander of the Faithful, Abu Yusuf, when he saw this, smiling dismissively at their minds, because he saw nothing of all this. He did not share their view of Ibn Tumart. God knows best."

Al-Marrakshi also narrated a story from an Andalusian sheikh that when Al-Mansur finished the Battle of Al-Arkk, people went out to meet him. This sheikh was presented to speak with him. During the conversation, Al-Mansur asked him: "What knowledge have you read?" He replied: "I have read the writings of Al-Mahdi." Al-Mansur looked at him with a gaze of anger and said: "This is not what a student says. You should say: I have read the Book of God, and I have read something of the Sunnah. Then, after this, say what you wish."

He also informed his close associates and trusted individuals that he disavowed this belief, which is what Al-Marrakshi reported, saying: "Sheikh Al-Kaba told me: The Commander of the Faithful, Abu Yusuf, said to me: O Abu Al-Abbas, bear witness before God Almighty that I do not believe in infallibility, not even for Ibn Tumart."

(See also Ibn Al-Qattan, *Nathm Al-Juman*: 82-83; Al-Bayān Al-Mughrib, a published piece in Hespress: 88; Ibn Idhari) He said that he did not mention his name, and the author of Al-Muqtabas did not include this name. (This is what Ibn Al-Qattan mentioned in *Nathm Al-Juman*: 89) when mentioning these ten.

(Al-Marrakshi, *Al-Mu'jib*: 368) (Same source: 369) (Same source and page: 370) 4/47