those who combine this with a religious conviction. Yet obedience to the Messenger is possible only with knowledge of what he brought and the ability to act upon it. When knowledge and ability diminish, the time becomes a period of interruption in that particular matter, while in other matters it is a time of religious calling and prophethood. Reflect on this principle, for it is immensely beneficial. And Allah knows best.

Likewise, anyone among the adherents of philosophy, speculative theology, and Sufism who sets up analogical reasoning, reason, or spiritual experience as an unconditional authority—or anyone among the adherents of speculative theology, legal opinion, philosophy, and Sufism who gives it precedence over the Messenger—is like someone who sets up a person as such an authority. Unconditional adherence is therefore inseparably tied to the Messenger and has no place apart from him.

Section

The first religious innovation to appear in Islam, and the one most explicitly condemned in the Sunnah and transmitted reports, was the innovation of the renegade Harūriyyah. The first of them said to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to his face:

“Be just, O Muhammad, for you have not acted justly!”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded that they be killed and fought. The Companions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, fought them alongside the Commander of the Faithful, ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib. There are numerous hadiths from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, describing them and condemning them