for many a bearer of knowledge lacks understanding, and many a bearer of knowledge conveys it to someone with greater understanding than himself.”

Allah has condemned in His Book those who conceal the clear proofs and guidance He has sent down. Yet these people choose to conceal what Allah has revealed because it contradicts what they say.

Concerning them, there is the well-known report from Umar, who said:

“Beware of those who rely on personal opinion, for they are enemies of the prophetic traditions. These traditions proved too difficult for them to memorize and eluded their comprehension. When questioned, they spoke about religion according to their own opinions.”

Thus, he described them as enemies of the prophetic traditions.

In short, whoever hates anything in the Book and Sunnah harbors a corresponding degree of enmity toward the Prophet. Likewise, whoever loves anything in them has a corresponding degree of loyalty to him.