this to Allah and His Messenger, yet he transgresses the limits Allah has set. Likewise, many adherents of innovation and whims have appointed themselves to enjoin right and forbid wrong, such as the Khawārij, the Muʿtazilah, the Rāfidah, and others who have erred in their efforts to enjoin right, forbid wrong, wage jihad, and undertake other actions. The harm they caused thus outweighed the good they did.

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded patience in the face of rulers’ injustice and forbade fighting them so long as they maintained the prayer. He said, “Give them their due rights, and ask Allah for yours.” We have discussed this at length elsewhere.

Thus, among the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamāʿah are remaining united with the Muslim community, refraining from fighting the rulers, and refraining from fighting in times of strife. As for the followers of whims,