the religion on the basis of opinion, analogy, and personal preference, while they openly oppose the transmitted reports (1), invalidate the hadith (2), and answer back to the Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him— (3). They take Abū Ḥanīfah and anyone who follows his view as their imam, practising (4) their religion accordingly and echoing their statements (5). What misguidance could be clearer (6) than that of one who holds this view—or anything like it (7)—abandoning (8) the word of the Messenger and his Companions and following the opinion (9) of Abū Ḥanīfah and his companions? That alone suffices as evidence of deviance, transgression, and rejection (10).
• Declaring allegiance is an innovation, and declaring disavowal is an innovation. They are the people (11) who say, “We pledge loyalty to so-and-so and disown so-and-so.” Such talk is a reprehensible innovation, so beware of it (12).