and branches of knowledge, and lofty ambition in their deeds—traits that truly characterize them. As Allah Most High says concerning them:

“Indeed, those who dispute concerning Allah’s signs without any authority having come to them have nothing in their hearts but ambitions of greatness which they will never attain.” [Ghāfir 56]

He, Most High and Holy, also says:

“When their messengers came to them with clear proofs, they exulted in the knowledge they possessed, and were engulfed by what they used to ridicule. {83} Then, when they saw Our punishment, they said, ‘We believe in Allah alone and reject whatever we used to associate with Him.’ {84} But their faith did not benefit them once they had seen Our punishment.” [Ghāfir 83–85]

Allah Most High also says:

“When a sign comes to them, they say, ‘We will never believe until we are given the like of what Allah’s messengers were given.’ Allah knows best where to place His message. Those who committed crimes will be afflicted with humiliation before Allah and severe punishment for their scheming. {124}” [al-An‘ām 124]

In short, these people and their like are enemies of the messengers and corrupting pests within religious communities. The Quran addresses them very frequently, for they are leaders of their followers. They are among the masters and great ones concerning whose followers Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, Allah has cursed the disbelievers and prepared for them a blazing Fire, {64} where they will remain forever, finding neither protector nor helper. {65} On the Day their faces are turned about in the Fire, they will say, ‘If only we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!’ {66} And they will say, ‘Our Lord, we obeyed our masters and our great ones, and they led us astray from the path. {67} Our Lord, give them double the punishment and curse them with a mighty curse.’ {68}” [al-Ahzāb 64–68]

And there was