criticism of it is unfounded. There is no power or strength except through Allah. It is Allah whom we ask to guide us to good words and righteous deeds. This is what is being said, even though it involves passing judgment between these men, who sometimes engage in discourse censured by the early generations. Yet we have mentioned more than once that among the prescriptions of the Sharia is giving everyone their due. Thus, it is reported in the Sunan that ʿĀ’ishah said: “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded us to accord people their proper standing.” Whoever among them is closer to the truth and the Sunnah must have his standing recognized and must be given precedence in that matter over anyone further removed from the truth and the Sunnah.

Allah Most High said concerning His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“And I have been commanded to judge justly between you.” [al-Shūrā 15]

And Allah Most High said:

“O you who believe, stand firmly for justice as witnesses for Allah.” [al-Nisā’ 135]

He said concerning the People of the Book:

“And if you judge, judge between them with justice.” [al-Mā’idah 42]

And He said:

“So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires, turning away from the truth that has come to you.” [al-Mā’idah 48]

How much more, then, does this apply when judging between the various groups who face the qiblah? Indeed, judging justly between those guilty of wickedness and those guilty of religious innovation, assigning them their proper ranks, and giving preference to one over another in the respect