—to the end of the verse. He also says:

“What of one whose evil deeds have been made appealing to him, so that he regards them as good? Indeed, Allah sends astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills.”

The first is the condition of those who have incurred Allah’s wrath: they know the truth but do not follow it, as is found among the Jews. The second is the condition of those who act without knowledge. Allah Most High says:

“Indeed, many lead others astray through their own desires, without knowledge.”

Allah Most High also says:

“And who is more astray than one who follows his own desires without guidance from Allah?”

Everyone who opposes the messengers is an imitator, following someone whom he is not permitted to follow. The same applies to someone who follows the Messenger without insight or understanding: he submits outwardly without faith entering his heart. He is like the person who is asked in the grave: “Who is your Lord? (1) What is your religion? Who is your prophet?” He replies: “Ah, ah! I do not know. I heard people saying something, so I repeated it.” He is an imitator. He is then struck with an iron sledgehammer and lets out a scream that everything except human beings can hear. If a human being heard it, he would be struck down—that is, he would die.

Allah Most High has said:

“The Bedouins say, ‘We have believed.’ Say, ‘You have not believed; rather, say, “We have submitted,” for faith has not yet entered your hearts.’”

Whoever has not had faith enter his heart, but is outwardly a Muslim, is therefore among the blameworthy imitators. Thus, if it is clear that an imitator is blameworthy—meaning someone who follows the desires of a person whom it is not permissible to follow—such as someone who abandons obedience to Allah’s messengers and follows his masters and leaders, or follows the Messenger outwardly