exhausted, (3) scorched by a blazing Fire. (4) (Al-Ghashiyah 88:2–4)—and we seek Allah’s protection!

Ranked beneath such monks are the people of innovation and misguidance within this very community. Concerning the Khawarij the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said, “One of you would deem his own prayer insignificant when compared with theirs…,” and so forth.

In short, sincerity in one’s deeds is of benefit only when it rests on a sound foundation; if the foundation is corrupt, the outcome will inevitably be the opposite.