obey the denier or the habitual swearer, nor imitate their conduct. This is like His saying:

“And do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites,”

and similar passages. For forbidding someone to heed a person who urges defective conduct is a stronger deterrent than forbidding him to adopt that conduct himself.

Another benefit is that this conveys greater honor and respect. Saying, “Do not lie, swear oaths, insult others, or disparage them,” is not like saying, “Do not obey someone characterized by these traits.” The latter honors the person addressed and affirms his freedom from such traits.

Another benefit is that character traits are acquired through companionship. This therefore warns him against acquiring any of their traits through association with them. He must be on his guard, for he needs to associate with them in order to call them to Allah Most High.

Another benefit is that they present apparent benefits in what they urge others to do. Do not, then, obey anyone of this kind, even if he presents such benefits. What drives them to issue their commands is the ignorance and wrongdoing within their souls. When the underlying motive for a command is corrupt, it must not be accepted from the person issuing it. For issuing commands depends upon knowing what is beneficial and intending it. If a person is ignorant, he does not know what is beneficial; and if his character is corrupt, he does not desire it. This is a profound point.