Since this is something known through reason, Ahmad said: “At that point, it became clear to people that they follow nothing”—that is, they direct themselves towards nothing. For whoever follows something turns towards it and seeks it. A road is called an imām because the traveller follows it; the word also denotes a book that the reader follows, as well as the prayer leader whom the worshipper follows.

Ummah means an exemplar whom others follow—that is, imitate. It also means religion. One may say, “So-and-so has no ummah,” meaning that he has no religion or creed.

The poet said:

Can a man of faith and an unbeliever be equal?

And al-Nābighah said:

I have sworn, leaving no doubt in your soul;
Would a man of faith willingly incur sin?

Thus, Ahmad’s statement, “They follow nothing,” means that they profess no religion. As for the version in which he is reported to have said, “You affirm nothing,” its meaning is plain: the Jahmiyyah’s position entails that they affirm no Lord existing in external reality who created the world.

He then said: “When the Jahmiyyah are asked, ‘Whom do you worship?’ they reply, ‘We worship the One who governs