the Sharia, as in the words of Abū Yazīd al-Bistāmī, may Allah have mercy on him: “I spent thirty years striving against my soul, and found nothing harder than knowledge and adherence to it. Were it not for the differences among the scholars, I would have fallen apart. Differences among the scholars are a mercy, except in maintaining pure monotheism.”

Abū al-Husayn al-Nūrī said, “If you see someone claiming a spiritual state with Allah that takes him beyond the bounds of religious knowledge, do not go near him.”

Abū ‘Uthmān al-Naysābūrī said, “Companionship with Allah requires proper conduct, constant awe, and mindfulness of His watchfulness. Companionship with the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, requires following his Sunnah and adhering to the outward requirements of religious knowledge. Companionship with Allah’s friends requires respect and service; companionship with one’s family, good character; companionship with one’s brethren, constant cheerfulness, provided no sin is involved; and companionship with the ignorant, praying for them and showing them mercy.”

This is because the spiritual path is founded on will and intention, and pursuing it involves love and ecstasy that are not readily kept within bounds. Thus, the traveller on the path often acts according to the love he finds in his heart and the sweetness of worship he perceives and tastes. Unless this accords with the command of Allah and His Messenger, he falls into misguidance akin to that of the polytheists and the People of the Book who followed their desires without guidance from Allah.