in an authentic report that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, “forbade making vows and said, ‘It brings no good; it only extracts something from the miser.’” Whoever supposes that his need was fulfilled only because of his vow has falsely attributed something to Allah and His Messenger. People are commanded to obey Allah and His Messenger, to follow His religion and His path, and to adhere to His guidance and direction. They must thank Allah for the immense blessing He bestowed upon them by sending among them a Messenger from their own number, reciting His verses to them, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in an authentic hadith:

“The best speech is the speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. The worst matters are those newly introduced, and every religious innovation is misguidance.”

People of knowledge and discernment agree that even if a man were to fly through the air or walk on water, he should not be followed unless he conforms to the commands of Allah and His Messenger. Whoever sees a man disclose hidden matters or produce extraordinary effects, then follows him in opposition to the Quran and Sunnah, is like the followers of the Dajjāl. For the Dajjāl says to the sky, “Rain!” and it rains; he says to the earth, “Bring forth vegetation!” and it does; and he says to a ruined place, “Bring forth your treasures!” and treasures of gold and silver come forth with him. He kills a man, then commands him to rise, and he rises. Yet despite all this, he is a disbeliever, accursed and an enemy of Allah. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Every prophet warned his people against the Dajjāl, and I warn you against him. He is blind in one eye