in the same way. Indeed, he may even regard him as infallible, taking guidance for his spiritual path only from him rather than from the Messenger—even though learning to follow the spiritual path from the Messenger is easier than learning the disputed points of law. For the spiritual path consists in following the way Allah and His Messenger have commanded in matters of belief, worship, and character. All of this is clearly explained in the Book and Sunnah, for it is like nourishment that the believer cannot do without.

Thus, all the Companions knew how to follow the spiritual path through the guidance of the Book and Sunnah and the teachings conveyed from the Messenger. They had no need to consult the jurists among the Companions about this. Nor did disagreements arise among them concerning it, as they did over certain questions of jurisprudence whose answers were unknown to most of the Companions. They would discuss fatwas and legal rulings, and some of them would seek fatwas on these matters.

As for the obligatory and recommended deeds performed by someone seeking nearness to Allah, all of them learned these from the Book and Sunnah, for the Quran and hadith are filled with such teachings. Even if one of them spoke about this without himself citing a source, his words or their meaning would be transmitted from Allah and His Messenger. One of them might utter a word of wisdom, and you would find it reported from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. This accords with what has been said in explanation of His words:

“Light upon light.”

Yet many devoted to worship and asceticism have turned away from seeking the prophetic knowledge through which they could learn the way of Allah and His Messenger. Consequently, they have needed to follow the authority of a shaykh.