participates in their gatherings, and to make it clear to him that these paths are innovated—and may even be associationist—for the Sufis harbor elements of associationism, such as believing that their shaykhs and the heads of the orders can bring benefit or cause harm, possess knowledge of the unseen, and the like. This is associationism, and it is widespread in today’s Sufi orders: the belief that the shaykhs and the leaders of the paths can heal the sick, remove afflictions, know the unseen, and similar claims.

Therefore, you are obliged to counsel him and to show him the deviation found in these paths, and that the legislated way is the path of the Messenger ﷺ and his Companions, the path on which the righteous early generations stood in both knowledge and practice. He must abandon these Sufi ways and adhere to the lawful path if he wants salvation for himself and safety for his religion and creed. If he will not listen, does not repent, and does not leave these Sufi ways, then you must boycott him, provided that such a boycott will deter and reprimand him.

If, however, he has a needy family who require assistance, there is no objection to giving them something from donations and charity because of their poverty and excuse. But with regard to the state you have described, it is not permissible to remain silent and leave him as he is, for he may well be persisting out of ignorance; were it explained to him, he might abandon it—especially since he is ill and bedridden. So remind him of this and that there is no good in these paths; perhaps Allah will guide him through you and rescue him through you, and that will be a reward for both you and him, if Allah so wills.