as is authentically reported from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Nor is there any disagreement among them that whoever considers praying alone superior to praying in congregation is a misguided innovator who opposes the religion of the Muslims.

Those who practise these innovations are blameworthy, and it is known that Allah does not accept these practices, even if their intention is worship. Likewise, He does not accept the worship of monks and others who exert themselves in asceticism and worship, because they do not worship Him as He has prescribed, but through an innovation they have introduced. As He says:

“and monasticism which they invented.”

For the person who worships through these innovations aims to be revered and visited. His deeds are neither devoted sincerely to Allah nor correct according to the Sunnah. Rather, they are, as the saying goes, tainted and deficient—like the flesh of a dead pig, unlawful on two counts.

Every Muslim must commit himself to worshipping Allah alone, without any partner, and obeying His Messenger. He must enjoin this upon everyone, forbid everyone from doing the opposite, and denounce anyone who departs from it, even if that person flies through the air and walks on water. No one beneath the heavens may be allowed to contravene what the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, has brought. Rather, if he professes Islam, he must be required to obey the Messenger and follow his binding Sunnah and guiding law. If he does not profess Islam, he is a disbeliever, however great his asceticism and monastic devotion may be.