and he learned this from the author of al-Fusūs. Many people like him exist in these times. The misguidance of the philosophizers, the Sufis, and the speculative theologians stems from their acceptance of such errors. This is not the place for a lengthy exposition of this misguidance; the purpose is merely to point out that the author of al-Fusūs and others like him expressed these same views.
The unbelief of someone who considers himself superior to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace—as the author of al-Fusūs stated—is evident. Some of these people, however, do not hold that view, but believe that they have a path to Allah other than following the Messenger. They consider themselves entitled to follow that path even if it conflicts with the Messenger’s revealed law, and they invoke the account of Moses and al-Khidr as evidence.
That account provides no support for their position, for two reasons.
First: Moses was not sent to al-Khidr, nor was al-Khidr obliged to follow Moses, for Moses was sent to the Children of Israel. Thus, the authentic hadith relates:
“When Moses greeted al-Khidr, al-Khidr said, ‘How is this greeting known in your land?’
“He replied, ‘I am Moses.’
“Al-Khidr asked, ‘Moses of the Children of Israel?’
“He replied, ‘Yes.’
“Al-Khidr said, ‘You possess knowledge from Allah which Allah has taught you and which I do not know; and I possess knowledge from Allah which He has taught me and which you do not know.’”
For this reason, our Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“We have been favored over other people in five respects: our rows have been made like the rows of the angels; the earth has been made for me a place of prayer and a means of purification, so wherever a man finds himself when prayer becomes due, he has his place of prayer and his means of purification at hand; war booty has been made lawful for me, though it was not lawful for anyone before me; I have been granted intercession; and a prophet used to be sent specifically to his own people, whereas I have been sent to