the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.” (al-Fātiḥah 1:6–7).

Those who have incurred wrath are like the Jews: they recognized the truth but did not follow it, whereas those who have gone astray are like the Christians: they worshipped Allah without knowledge.

It used to be said, “Seek refuge with Allah from the trial of the immoral scholar and the ignorant devotee.”

Ibn Masʿūd (Allah be pleased with him) related: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ drew a straight line for us and said, “This is Allah’s path, perfectly straight.” He then drew lines to its right and left and said, “These are other paths; on each of them is a devil calling people to it.” He next recited, “Indeed, this is My straight path, so follow it, and do not follow the byways lest they lead you away from His path” (al-Anʿām 6:153).

Ḥudhayfah b. al-Yamān (Allah be pleased with him) said, “O reciters, remain upright and tread the way of those who came before you. By Allah, if you follow them you will outstrip them by a great distance; but if you turn right or left you will stray far indeed.”

Ibn Masʿūd (Allah be pleased with him) also said, “Whoever among you wishes to emulate someone, let him emulate those who have passed away, for the living are not safe from temptation. They are the Companions of Muhammad ﷺ—the purest hearts in this ummah, the deepest in knowledge, and the least affected airs. Allah chose them to accompany His Prophet ﷺ and to establish His religion. Recognize their merit and hold fast to their guidance, for they are upon the straight guidance. We ask Allah, exalted is He, to make us among them and not to cause our hearts to deviate after He has guided us.”

All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

Completed on 22/5/1410 AH.