it has, rejoicing.” And Allah Most High said:

“And direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth, and never be among the polytheists.”

“Among those who divided their religion and became sects, each faction rejoicing in what it has.”

And He Most High said:

“Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture did not differ until after knowledge had come to them, out of mutual envy”—the verse.

“Those who were given the Scripture did not become divided until after the clear proof had come to them”—the verse. There is a similar passage in Sūrat al-Jāthiyah.

And Allah Most High said:

“O you who believe, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. If you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is best and leads to the best outcome.”

And He Most High said:

“And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and leave no resentment in our hearts toward those who believe. Our Lord, You are indeed Most Kind, Most Merciful.’”

Section

If Allah Most High has commanded us to obey Him, His Messenger, and those in authority among us; has commanded us, whenever we disagree over anything, to refer it to Allah and the Messenger; has commanded us to maintain unity and harmony and forbidden us to divide and differ; and has commanded us