were upon clear and unwavering guidance.

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamān—may Allah be pleased with him—said: “People of the Quran, keep to the straight course and follow the way of those who came before you. By Allah, if you adhere to their path you will forge far ahead, but if you turn right or left you will go far astray.”

ʿAbd Allāh ibn Masʿūd—may Allah be pleased with him—recounted: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ drew a line for us, then drew several lines to its right and to its left. He said, ‘This is Allah’s path, and these are other paths; on every one of them is a devil calling people to it.’ He then recited: ‘Indeed, this is My straight path, so follow it and do not follow the other ways lest they lead you away from His way’ (Q 6:153).”