and similar things occur frequently. I know of many such incidents, just as I know of many errors in scriptural and rational matters. These people follow conjecture, which is of no avail against the truth. Had they not presumed to act ahead of Allah and His Messenger, but instead held fast to the Quran and Sunnah, it would have become clear to them that this comes from Satan. Many of them follow their spiritual taste, their inward experience, and whatever they find pleasing, without knowledge, guidance, or insight. Thus, they follow their desires without even conjecture; the best among them follow conjecture and what their souls desire.

When any of these people is asked for proof, he cites his imitation of those forefathers and predecessors whom he loves, like the polytheists who said:

“Indeed, we found our forefathers following a religion, and we are following in their footsteps.”

If they take the opposite approach, they invoke divine decree, arguing that Allah willed this and gave them power over it. Thus, they act upon their desires and their own wishes to the extent of their ability, like rulers given power over others. What they ought to have done was to act as Allah commanded, following His command and what He loves and is pleased with, rather than following their own will and what they themselves love and are pleased with. They ought also to have sought Allah’s help, saying:

“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”

There is no might or power except through Allah. They should not rely on the power, influence, and spiritual state they have been granted, for these are all part of worldly fortune. After prayer, and when standing upright after bowing, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would say:

“O Allah, none can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold; nor can worldly fortune avail its possessor against You.”