and have clarified the distinction between right and wrong in these matters. For this and similar reasons, the leading shaykhs counsel adherence to knowledge and the Sharia. Sahl ibn ʿAbd Allāh al-Tustarī, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

“Acting without following the prescribed example gratifies the self, whereas acting in accordance with it is torment to the self.”

He also said: “Every spiritual experience unsupported by the Quran and Sunnah is false.”

Al-Junayd ibn Muhammad said: “Anyone who has not read the Quran and recorded hadith is not to be followed in this path, for this knowledge of ours is bound by the Quran and Sunnah.”

Ahmad ibn Abī al-Hawārī said: “Whoever performs an act without following the Sunnah of the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, his act is invalid.”