as some Sufis describe them, for disagreement and dispute over these matters are great and widespread, and the misguidance they cause is even greater and more widespread. It must therefore be the Book of Allah that settles disputes, judges between people, and guides them to what is right, as He declares in His Book:

“Mankind was one community; then Allah sent the prophets as bearers of good tidings and warners, and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between people concerning that over which they differed.” [al-Baqarah 213]

And He says:

“If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger.” [al-Nisā’ 59]

And He says:

“A Book We have sent down to you so that you may bring people out of darkness into light, by their Lord’s permission, to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.” (1) [Ibrāhīm 1]

And He says:

“Indeed, this Quran guides to what is most upright.” [al-Isrā’ 9]

And He says:

“And indeed, you guide to a straight path (52)—the path of Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth.” [al-Shūrā 52–53]

And He says:

“The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise. (1) Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth.” [al-Zumar 1–2]

And He, Most High, says:

“And this is a blessed Book We have sent down, so follow it and be mindful of Allah, that you may receive mercy.” (155) [al-An‘ām 155]

There are many such passages in the Book of Allah Most High. Thus, if it is established that there is no guide for His servants and no arbiter between them in matters of