[The Twenty-First Argument]

It may be said:

Opposing the statements of the Prophets with human opinions, and giving those opinions precedence, is the practice of those who deny the Messengers; indeed, it is the essence of all unbelief. As al-Shahrastānī stated, in substance, at the beginning of his book known as al-Milal wa-l-Nihal (Religions and Sects):

The root of all evil is opposing scriptural texts with opinion and giving personal desire precedence over divine law.

It is indeed as he said. Allah sent His Messengers and revealed His Books, making clear that those who follow what He has revealed are the people of guidance and success, while those who turn away from it are the people of misery and misguidance.

As Allah Most High says:

“He said, ‘Go down from it, both of you, as enemies to one another. Then, if guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray nor suffer misery. * But whoever turns away from My reminder 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 Our signs came to you, but you forgot them; likewise, today you will be forgotten.’”

[Tā Hā: 123–126]

Allah Most High also says:

“O children of Adam, if Messengers from among you come to you, relating My signs to you, then whoever fears Allah and reforms—there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve. * But those who