the prophetic way followed by the early generations are afflicted by both: indulgence in sinful desires and trials that lead them astray. Their misguidance and sinful deviation are proportionate to their departure from the way with which Allah sent His Messenger.

For this reason, Allah has commanded us to say in every prayer:

“Guide us to the straight path * The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have incurred Your wrath or of those who have gone astray.”

It is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The Jews have incurred Allah’s wrath, and the Christians have gone astray.”

The early generations used to say:

“Beware of the trial posed by an immoral scholar and an ignorant worshipper, for the trial they pose affects everyone who is led astray.”

How much worse, then, when misguidance and immorality come together in one man?

If I were to gather all that has reached me on this subject concerning prominent figures among them—such-and-such a person and another—it would amount to a great deal. Yet what has not reached me of their bewilderment and doubt is far greater still.

This is because guidance lies in what Allah sent His messengers with. Whoever turns away from it is not rightly guided. What, then, of someone who opposes it with something that contradicts it and gives that contradiction precedence over it?

When Allah Most High sent Adam down, He said:

“He said, ‘Descend from it, both of you together, as enemies to one another. Then if guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer. * But whoever turns away from My remembrance will have a life of hardship, and We will raise him blind on the Day of Resurrection. * He will say, “My Lord, why have You raised me blind when I used to see?” * He will say, “Thus did Our signs come to you, but you forgot them; and thus today you will be forgotten.”’” [Tā Hā: 123–126].