by way of misguidance. He frequently criticizes the methods of the speculative theologians and philosophers, stating that they do not lead to knowledge and certainty. He favored certain general notions within the Sufi path, which he neither explained in detail nor understood in detail himself. Rather, he refers to spiritual unveilings and visions that he neither attained himself nor saw anyone else attain.

As for the path followed by the elect among the Muslims—the heirs to the prophetic legacy and successors in the Messenger’s mission, who adhere to the Sunnah outwardly and inwardly and draw their light from the lamp of the prophetic message, the people of knowledge and faith who recognize that what was sent down to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the truth from their Lord, into whose hearts Allah has cast light from Him by which they perceive and know with certainty the realities brought by the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace—Abū Hāmid did not come to know these people or their path, although he alludes to them in general rather than in detail and longs to follow their way, because he