For this reason, the early generations regarded anyone who departed from the revealed law in any matter of religion as one of the followers of desires. They counted the people of innovation among the followers of desires, censured them on that account, and warned against being deceived by them, however much learning, eloquence, or skill in argument they displayed, or whatever worship and spiritual states they manifested, such as unveilings and extraordinary feats.

For example, Yūnus ibn ‘Abd al-A‘lā said: “I said to al-Shāfi‘ī, ‘Do you know, Abū ‘Abd Allāh, what our companion—I mean al-Layth ibn Sa‘d—and others used to say about him? He used to say: “Even if you see him walking on water, do not trust him, pay him any heed, or speak to him.”’ Al-Shāfi‘ī replied, ‘By Allah, he did not fall short.’”

‘Āsim reported that Abū al-‘Āliyah said: “Learn Islam, and once you have learned it, do not turn away from it. Adhere to the straight path, for it is Islam, and do not divert Islam to the right or the left. Adhere to the Sunnah of your Prophet and to the way of his Companions. Beware of these desires that sow enmity and hatred among people.”

‘Āsim said: “I related this to al-Hasan, who said, ‘He spoke the truth and gave sincere counsel.’ Then I related it to Hafsah bint Sīrīn, who said, ‘Abū ‘Alī, have you told Muhammad this?’ I said, ‘No.’ She said, ‘Then tell him.’”

Ubayy ibn Ka‘b said: “Adhere to the path and the Sunnah, for there is no servant on earth who follows the path and the Sunnah, remembers Allah, and whose eyes overflow with tears out of fear of Allah, whom He will then punish.