And “a second group”—those who regard the state of annihilation in affirming Allah’s oneness in lordship as correct and say that it is the ultimate goal—say: “Rather, al-Hallāj had attained the highest degree of true realization and affirmation of divine oneness.” These, in turn, divide into two factions concerning his execution.

“One faction” says that he was unjustly killed and that executing him was impermissible. They are hostile to the Sharia and its adherents because they executed al-Hallāj. Some are hostile to jurists and scholars as a whole, saying: “They killed al-Hallāj.” These are like those who say: “We have a Sharia, and we have a spiritual reality that contradicts the Sharia.”

Those who speak this way do not discern what is meant by the word “Sharia” in the speech of Allah and His Messenger and in the speech of other people. Nor do they discern what is meant by “reality,” “truth,” “taste,” “ecstasy,” or “affirmation of divine oneness” in the speech of Allah and His Messenger and in the speech of other people. Indeed, some think that the divine Law simply means whatever a judge rules. Some of these make no distinction between a knowledgeable, just judge, an ignorant judge, and an unjust judge. Rather, whatever a judge rules, they call Sharia.

There is no doubt that the actual reality that Allah and His Messenger love may differ from a judge’s ruling. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“You bring your disputes before me, and some of you may be more eloquent in presenting their case than others. I judge only on the basis of what I hear. So if I rule in anyone’s favor at the expense of his brother’s rights