who came first, faithfully following their example. Just as a person has someone to teach him the Quran and similar subjects, so too he has someone to teach him the inward and outward aspects of religion. This need not be confined to any particular person, nor does it require affiliation with a particular spiritual master. Anyone who imparts religious benefit to another is his teacher in that respect. Likewise, any deceased person whose sayings, deeds, or legacy reach someone and benefit him in his religion is his teacher in that respect. Thus, the earlier generations of this community are the teachers of those who succeed them, generation after generation. No one may affiliate himself with a spiritual master and make following him the basis of loyalty and enmity.

Rather, he must show loyalty to all people of faith and all who are known for piety, whether spiritual masters or others. He must not single anyone out for greater loyalty unless that person’s greater faith and piety become apparent to him. He should therefore give precedence to those whom Allah Most High and His Messenger have given precedence, and favour those whom Allah and His Messenger have favoured. Allah Most High says:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from a male and a female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“No Arab has any superiority over a non-Arab, nor any non-Arab over an Arab; no black person has any superiority over a white person, nor any white person over a black person, except through piety.”