idolatry.”

Those who claim faith exclusively for themselves, denying it to the Muslims of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah—such as the Khawārij, the Rāfidah, the Jahmiyyah, and the Muʿtazilah—fall within the scope of Allah Most High’s words:

“They say, ‘None will enter Paradise unless they are Jews or Christians.’ Those are their wishful hopes. Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.’ {111} Rather, whoever submits himself to Allah and does good will have his reward with his Lord. No fear will be upon them, nor will they grieve. {112}”
[al-Baqarah 111-112]

Their dealings with one another are as Allah Most High describes:

“The Jews say, ‘The Christians have no foundation,’ and the Christians say, ‘The Jews have no foundation,’ though they both recite the Scripture. Those who have no knowledge say the same as they do. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection concerning their differences. {113}”
[al-Baqarah 113]

Thus they are, as Imām Ahmad said, “divided over the Book and opposed