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As for the belief of some ignorant people that the “forty abdāl” are there, this is ignorance and misguidance. The forty abdāl have never gathered there; nor is such a gathering prescribed for them, nor does it serve any benefit. This belief among the ignorant masses resembles the belief of the Rāfidīs concerning the caliph they regard as “the Proof” and “Master of the Age,” whom they describe as hidden from sight yet present in the towns. They exalt his rank and hope for his blessing, although he does not exist and has no reality.
Whoever makes his religion depend on unknown things and turns away from the guidance and religion of truth with which Allah sent His Prophet is among the misguided, outside the law of Islam. Indeed, in these later times, misguided people have been there—Christians, Nusayrīs and Rāfidīs whom the Muslims fought.
Likewise, many ignorant people and purveyors of falsehood and absurdity claim that “men of the unseen” are there or elsewhere. Their veneration of these men is a form of misguidance through which they have gained sway over ignorant people among the Turks, Bedouins, peasants and general public. Through this they have led them away from the true nature of religion and wrongfully consumed their wealth, as Allah Most High says:
“Indeed, many of the rabbis and monks devour people’s wealth unjustly