correct concerning that error. For this nation bears witness over mankind; its members are Allah’s witnesses on earth and are the best nation brought forth for mankind, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong. It must therefore enjoin everything right and forbid everything wrong. If some among its members enjoin something wrong on the basis of an interpretation, there must be others among them who enjoin the corresponding right.

As for citing the conduct of a group of the eminently truthful as evidence in a matter disputed by their adversaries, this is invalid. Indeed, even if those disputing with them were fewer in number and lower in rank, neither side’s position could be established except through the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, for this is what the nation has been commanded to follow.

As the Most High says:

“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day.”
[Surah al-Nisā’ 59]

Thus, when the nation and those in authority—whether among the eminently truthful or others—disagree, they must all refer their disagreement to Allah and His Messenger.

It is well known that the eminently truthful who permitted certain intoxicants preceded these people, were more numerous, and were greater in rank. Likewise, those who considered temporary marriage, currency exchange, certain foul foods, and hushūsh lawful, and those who considered fighting during civil strife lawful on the basis of an interpretation, believing themselves to be in the right, and others besides—they too preceded these people, were more numerous, and were greater in rank.

Thus, when someone forbids what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, no one may say, “This is a condemnation