to ask Him to guide them to the Straight Path, while what is supposedly meant by that request is the very path of those who are themselves astray and who lead others astray from the level road, which is the Straight Path.

The Almighty has said: “And do not follow the desires of these people,” for the root of their introducing this innovation grew out of their own selves and a false supposition.

Thus they are among those of whom He said:

“They follow nothing but conjecture and what their souls desire, although guidance has already come to them from their Lord.” (Al-Najm 53:23)

and among those of whom He said:

“Who is more astray than one who follows his own desire without guidance from Allah?” (Al-Qasas 28:50)

The reason is that when Jesus—peace and blessings be upon him—was raised to heaven, the Jews showed fierce hostility toward him and toward his followers. They went to extremes in harming and humiliating them and seeking to kill and exile them. An indescribable hatred for the Jews therefore settled in the Christians’ hearts, together with an overwhelming desire for revenge. Later, when they gained power and dominion—as they did in the time of Constantine—they sought to confront the Jews, just as rival factions usually do: contending parties in matters of rule, or, in the arena of innovations, like the Khārijites and the Rāfiḍites,