in the manner they prefer, to the point that, in loyalty, love, the distribution of wealth, and appointments to authority, they give precedence to those who rank lower before Allah and His Messenger, while passing over those who rank higher before Allah and His Messenger for that reason.

“Third”

Following conjecture and the desires of the soul, until many of them make following their desires in these prescribed matters part of their religion. Indeed, many of those engaged in studying jurisprudence and practising worship come to harbour inclinations of the same kind as those found among the people of deviant inclinations who depart from the Sunnah and the community, such as the Khawārij, the Rāfidah, the Mu‘tazilah, and others like them.

Allah Most High has said in His Book:

“Do not follow your desires, lest they lead you astray from the path of Allah. Indeed, those who stray from the path of Allah will suffer a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Reckoning.”

He has also said in His Book:

“Do not follow the desires of a people who went astray before, led many others astray, and strayed from the right path.”

“Fourth”

Division and discord, contrary to unity and harmony, until they hate and oppose some people, and love and support others, for reasons other than Allah’s sake. For some, this leads to reviling, cursing, sneering, and disparagement; for others, to fighting with their hands and with weapons; and for still others, to estrangement and severing ties, until they will not pray behind one another. All of this is among the gravest things that Allah and His Messenger have forbidden.