is unequivocal, and who mock those who acknowledge His existence. As for the acts of worship and prohibitions brought by the messengers, their mockery of those who observe them exceeds all bounds. Some of them worship idols and celestial bodies, or enjoin such worship, and may consider it better and more beneficial than worshipping Allah alone. There are also other forms of unbelief and heresy found among the Jahmiyyah. By the consensus of the Muslims, these are among the gravest forms of heresy and hypocrisy if secretly harboured by someone who outwardly professes Islam. If he declares them openly, he is openly an unbeliever, by the agreement of the Muslims.

These things are like other forms of misguidance: sometimes, some of those who have gone astray receive them from those who mislead others, as Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, they found their forefathers astray (69), so they hasten to follow in their footsteps (70).” [al-Sāffāt 69-70]

He says of them:

“When it is said to them, ‘Follow what Allah has revealed,’ they say, ‘Rather, we will follow what we found our forefathers practising.’” [al-Baqarah 170]

At other times, they say such things because their hearts are alike, as Allah Most High says:

“Those who have no knowledge say, ‘Why does Allah not speak to us, or why does no sign come to us?’ Those before them spoke in the same way. Their hearts are alike.” [al-Baqarah 118]

Allah Most High says:

“Likewise, no messenger came to those before them without their saying, ‘A sorcerer or a madman!’ (52) Did they urge one another to say this? Rather, they are a people who transgress all bounds (53).” [al-Dhāriyāt 52-53]

Allah Most High says:

“Rather, they said the same as the people of old (81). They said, ‘When we have died and become dust and bones, will we really be resurrected?’ (82).” [al-Mu’minūn 81-82]

And He says