by the others; rather, every Muslim adopted the opinion he considered sound together with its proof and put it into practice. Whoever was unaware of the proof would seek a fatwa from someone whose knowledge and piety he trusted, accept that ruling, and act upon it.

Later, however, some people became fanatically attached to certain views and sided with those who held them. They lavished upon their champions accolades and claims of perfection—praise that, by virtue of those scholars’ own merit, piety, and deeds, they had no need for—while attributing to others faults from which, by Allah’s grace, they were innocent.

The enemies of this religion exploited these disagreements. They began to stir up division for their malicious aims, widening the gulf between Muslims to serve their concealed agendas. The result was that the ummah splintered into factions and parties, sects and schools; disputation increased, opinions proliferated, and righteous action waned. Those who once feared us now coveted us. Muslim lands were afflicted—first by the Crusaders for a time, then by the Tatars and those who followed, and finally by the coalition of communist, crusading, and Zionist forces, as is the situation of Muslims today.

A number of scholar-thinkers recognized these errors. Each, in his own place and era, strove to gather the scattered ranks and return people to the foundation every Muslim should take pride in belonging to and relying upon: the Book of Allah and the sunnah of His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Through them the Muslim ranks become united.