At midnight he would appear, dressed in white and wrapped in pleasant fragrances, manifesting himself little by little before the woman in a form that inspired awe. She had already been coached that she must spend the night so that “the Judge of Needs” could reveal himself to her. He then “appears,” edging closer and closer until he violates her and has intercourse with her. At times she even leaves pregnant. Who made her pregnant? The wicked, conniving caretaker who hides behind the grave and calls himself the Judge of Needs.

For years the men and women of Aleppo believed in this colossal deception. … These events are certainly not among the extraordinary favors granted to the saints (karāmāt). As some like to say, “Whatever was a miracle for a prophet becomes a karāmah for a saint.” Such falsehoods continue unchecked, and no one objects except a handful of individuals who are driven to the margins because they call people to the truth.

The discussion in this field is, regrettably, very extensive. Regarding Shaykh al-Sha‘rāwī, he is indeed beneficial in some respects, yet in other respects people are misled by him because they do not know. That is part of the answer to the question that was posed.

Among the doctrines attributed to him is the statement that Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—is only a messenger, as the Exalted has said in the Noble Quran: “Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers passed on before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels?” (Āl ʿImrān 3:144). They also claim—and I may have heard this—that Muhammad was created from the light of Allah. Have you come across that assertion or not?

Shaykh: It circulates in Syria and in Jordan. They recite, “The first thing Allah created was the light of your Prophet, O Jābir.” Have you heard that ḥadīth among you?

Interjection: I heard that from al-Sha‘rāwī.