bears a resemblance to the Jews; and whoever among the worshippers becomes corrupt bears a resemblance to the Christians.”

A Muslim must therefore guard against these two blameworthy resemblances: resembling people whose arrogance and hardness of heart turn them away from worship and devotion, despite having been given a share of the Scripture and a measure of knowledge; or resembling people who engage in worship and devotion while associating partners with Allah and straying from His path, revelation, and law. He has placed compassion and mercy in their hearts, and they have invented monasticism. This is common and widespread among people, though the resemblance is sometimes slight and sometimes strong.

As for the arrogant who devote themselves to others besides Allah, who do not worship Allah but worship others solely to derive benefit from them, these resemble Pharaoh.