so, and to be more mindful of them than of Allah. Is this religion? Is this all there is to calling people to Islam? And what kind of Islam is this? Glory be to Allah!

Sadly, this is the understanding of Islam held by the majority of Muslims who received Islam through the shaykhs of the Sufi orders, and by many who think well of them. What is even more regrettable is that this is also the position of some Muslim scholars who have studied what the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, brought, but have not been granted understanding of the religion. “When Allah wills good for someone, He grants him understanding of the religion.”1 Studying is one thing; understanding is another.

Praise be to Allah, who has guided us to this. We would never have been guided had Allah not guided us. All praise is due to Allah alone, and to Him alone we owe this favor. Our Lord, we cannot praise You adequately; You are as You have praised Yourself.