the religion of Islam which the prophets followed. Rather, they oppose the prophets through the truth they have rejected and the falsehood they have introduced. The same applies to every innovator who opposes the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, rejects some of the truth he brought, and introduces falsehood that the messengers did not prescribe. The Messenger disavows whatever such a person has innovated in opposition to him.

Allah Most High says:

“But if they disobey you, say, ‘I am free of what you do.’”

And Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you have nothing to do with them.”

Thus, what is lawful is what Allah and His Messenger have made lawful; what is unlawful is what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden; and religion is what Allah and His Messenger have prescribed.

Allah has condemned the polytheists for declaring things lawful or unlawful and instituting a religion for which Allah has given no permission. Allah Most High says:

“Or do they have partners who have prescribed for them a religion for which Allah has given no permission?”

Allah, blessed and exalted is He, revealed the Meccan surahs concerning the common religion with which all the messengers were sent, including belief in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day. Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the Seal of the Messengers; there is no prophet after him. His community is the best community brought forth for mankind. Allah sent him with the finest of Books and the finest of revealed laws, perfected the religion for him and his community, completed His favour upon him, and approved Islam as their religion.

He called to the straight path, as Allah Most High says:

“And indeed, you guide to a straight path—the path of Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Surely, to Allah all matters return.”

Allah has commanded us to follow