What is the ruling on reading the books of philosophers and others in order to refute them?

Question : It is understood from al-Bukhari’s tawhid (the oneness of Allah) that it is permissible to read the books of philosophers to warn against them.

Answer : It is possible, I say it is possible, and even if we do not understand this, it is obligatory. It is obligatory for one who has confidence in himself and knowledge, if he finds, for example, a widely circulated book from the books of philosophers or atheists or others of those who have appeared recently, because atheism is originally one thing, but it takes on forms and changes color according to the time. So atheism from the beginning of the world to its end is one, but it comes in forms according to what the situation requires, wrapped in a cover that the people of the time do not find objectionable.
And it is not the same, but for example, if it is a time when literature is honored or something similar and it is cared for, atheism comes in the form of literature, its appearance is mercy and its reality is punishment. And if it is in logic, meaning in a place or time where logic is exalted, it comes in the form of logic, and so on. But its origin is one thing, and the clothing is according to the time, just as we here in Saudi Arabia wear a shirt, ghutrah, and taqiyah, and in other countries they wear something different. Yes, indeed.