Another example is what some who profess asceticism do when they expose their private parts at their listening gatherings, in their bathhouses, or elsewhere, saying, “This is our way, and this is part of our way.” This is like their saying:

“We found our forefathers doing this, and Allah has commanded us to do it.”

More extreme still is how some groups who profess asceticism and devotion treat as worship their association with beardless youths and unrelated women, gazing at them, being alone with them, and harbouring love and desire for them—as well as the grave sexual immorality that may or may not follow.

This was initiated by polytheists, both Sabians and others, who are allies of the devils and associate partners with Allah. Ibn Sīnā mentioned this in his al-Ishārāt, claiming that chaste love and listening to melodious voices help with spiritual wayfaring and devotion to God. He also mentioned the polytheistic practice of worshipping images; he and his followers also discuss the worship of celestial bodies.

This also has a strong presence among Christians. They too have introduced forms of associating partners with Allah for which He has sent down no authority, as the Most High says:

“They took their rabbis