advocated abolishing them: no fasting, no prayer, no pilgrimage, and no zakat. However, it may be said that the proof conveyed by the prophetic message had been established more fully against the former than against the latter.

As for those who adopt some Jahmī doctrines, such as the Mu‘tazilah and others who adhere to Islam inwardly and outwardly, they undoubtedly belong to the community of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The same applies to those who are better than them, such as the Kullābiyyah and the Karrāmiyyah. It also applies to the Shī‘ah who give preference to ‘Alī, and those among them who affirm explicit designation and infallibility while believing inwardly and outwardly in the prophethood of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and supposing that what they follow is the religion of Islam. These are people of error and ignorance, but they are not outside the community of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Rather, they are among those who divided their religion and became sects.

Most of these people follow the ambiguous passages of the Quran, seeking discord and seeking their interpretation, just as some hypocrites and disbelievers do. Hence, a group of Quranic commentators, including al-Rabī‘ ibn Anas, said: “They are the Christians, such as the Christians of Najrān.” Another group, including al-Kalbī, said: “They are the Jews.” Another group, including Ibn Jurayj, said: “They are the hypocrites.” Another group, including al-Hasan, said: “They are the Khawārij.” And another group, including Qatādah, said: “They are the Khawārij and the Shī‘ah.”

Whenever Qatādah recited this verse:

“As for those