of the falsity of specious arguments that contradict their true import: “You will find that those with the weakest insight are the proponents of false and blameworthy speculative theology, which the early generations condemned. This is because they are ignorant of the revealed texts and their meanings, and false doubts have taken firm hold of their hearts.”

He then—may Allah have mercy on him—explained that ordinary Muslims are in a better state than these people and possess a sounder knowledge of their Lord. He said: “If you reflect upon the condition of the ordinary Muslims—who, according to most of them, meaning most speculative theologians, are not believers—you will find that they possess more complete insight, stronger faith, greater submission to revelation, and greater compliance with the truth.”1 End of quotation.

Every Muslim must therefore follow the path and methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah in this matter and in every area of religion, and must beware of every path of misguidance and every gateway to falsehood. Success rests with Allah alone. We therefore ask Him—glorified is He—to grant us and you success in attaining every good that He loves and is pleased with, and to make us rightly guided guides, neither astray nor leading others astray. He is indeed All-Hearing, Responsive, and Near.