to seek forgiveness for those who preceded us in faith, has named us Muslims, and has commanded us to remain so until death, then these texts and others of similar meaning require us to be united in religion, just as the prophets before us were united in religion.

Those in authority among us are the Messenger’s successors. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said in an authentic hadith:

“The Children of Israel were governed by the prophets: whenever a prophet died, another prophet arose. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be caliphs, and they will be numerous.” They asked, “What do you command us to do, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Fulfil your pledge of allegiance to the first, then the next, and give them their due, for Allah will question them about those He entrusted to their care.”

He also said:

“The scholars are the heirs of the prophets.”

It is also reported that he said:

“I wish I could see my successors.” They asked, “Who are your successors?” He replied, “Those who revive my Sunnah and teach it to the people.”

These, then, are those in authority after him: the rulers and the scholars. This is how the early generations and the imams who followed them, such as Imam Ahmad and others, explained the expression. Its meaning is clear, and we have established it elsewhere.

The fundamental principles established by the Quran, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus are comparable to the religion shared by the prophets: no one may depart from them. Whoever embraces them belongs to the people of pure Islam, who are Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jamā'ah (the people of the Sunnah and the united community).

The diversity among them in prescribed deeds and sayings is comparable to the diversity among the prophets. Allah Most High said:

“And those who strive for Our sake—We will surely guide them to Our ways.”

And He Most High said:

“Indeed,