and these people are followers of their own desires, who in many matters worship according to their desires rather than what Allah Most High and His Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, have commanded:

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

Thus, their ecstasy is mostly unrestrained desire: they do not know whom they worship. They bear a strong resemblance to the Christians, concerning whom Allah Most High said:

“O People of the Scripture, do not exceed the bounds of truth in your religion, nor follow the desires of people who went astray before, led many astray, and strayed from the straight path.”

This is why the early generations called the people of innovation “followers of desires.” Their desires drove them to assemble like opposing factions and enter the congregational mosque ready for battle, equipped with the spiritual states they cultivate to overpower others. When the Friday prayer was over, I sent for their shaykh so that we might address him concerning Allah’s command—may Allah Most High bless him and grant him peace—and agree to follow His way. Instead, they left the congregational mosque in their crowds and went to the governor’s palace. It seemed that they had reached an agreement with some prominent men concerning what they sought. They then returned to the al-Shāghū mosque—as I was told—shouting and agitating in a most astonishing manner.

I sent for them a second time, to establish the proof and discharge my responsibility, seeking clarification and insight, and hoping to bring benefit and a reminder. They headed to the palace a second time. I was told that they approached from the western side, making a loud uproar, frothing and thundering, shaking their heads and limbs, rolling about in the Barada River, and displaying a rapture which