are in extreme dissension.” [al-Baqarah: 19]

Allah Most High also said:
“Those who were given the Scripture differed only after knowledge had come to them, out of mutual envy.” [Āl ʿImrān: 19]

And He said:
“But they divided their religion among themselves into factions, each faction rejoicing in what it had.” [al-Mu’minūn: 53]

We have already drawn attention to the source of error in this question and others like it, and to the ambiguous, equivocal, innovated expressions involved—whether the innovation lies in the wording and its meaning, or in using that wording in that particular sense. One example is the expression “fundamentals of religion”: each group has included under it whatever questions and arguments it considers fundamental to its own religion, even when these are not fundamentals of the religion Allah sent His messengers to convey and revealed His Books to teach, as we have mentioned. We have also explained that when the unqualified use of these newly introduced, equivocal expressions in affirmation and negation is disallowed, and clarification is sought and distinctions are drawn, the right path becomes clear.

This makes it clear that the Lawgiver, peace and blessings be upon him, explicitly set forth everything that safeguards against ruin, leaving no room for excuse. Allah Most High said:
“Allah would not lead a people astray after guiding them until He had made clear to them what they must guard against.” [al-Tawbah: 115]

And He said:
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.” [al-Mā’idah: 3]

And He said:
“So that people would have no argument against Allah after the messengers.” [al-Nisā’: 165]

And He said:
“The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message clearly.” [al-Nūr: 54]

And He said: