refer it back to Allah and the Messenger.” (2) Thus, Allah has commanded the ummah, whenever a dispute arises (1), to return the matter to Him and to His Messenger. He has moreover branded (2) those who refuse to do so with hypocrisy and unbelief, for He says: “Have you not seen those who claim that they believe in what was sent down to you and what was sent down before you, yet they wish to seek judgment from false authorities, though they had been commanded to reject them? Satan only wishes to lead them far astray. (60) When it is said to them, ‘Come to what Allah has revealed and to the Messenger,’ you see the hypocrites turn away from you completely. (61) But how will it be when a calamity strikes them because of what their own hands have sent ahead? Then they come to you swearing by Allah, ‘We intended nothing but good-will and reconciliation.’”—until His words, “in plain and forceful terms.” (3) In this way, the Almighty describes as hypocrites all who are summoned to the Book and the Sunnah yet turn away—even if (4) they claim that they only wish to harmonize the transmitted proofs with rational arguments (5), or something similar, or that they merely seek the improvement of knowledge or practice. He, Most High, also says: “When it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they reply, ‘Rather, we will follow what we found our forefathers practicing.’” (6) And He says: “On the Day their faces will be turned about in the Fire…” (7) up to their words (8): “and curse them with a terrible curse.” (9)