[lbo-talk] Middle Eastern atheist tradition?

[B.]

I recently came across this quote:

"The world holds two classes of men -- intelligent men
without religion, and religious men without
intelligence."

[Abu'l-Ala-Al-Ma'arri (973-1057; Syrian poet)]

And it made me wonder if anyone knows anything about a
Middle eastern atheist tradition that predates Western
colonial influence? Any books, URLs, etc.,
appreciated.

-B.