that was correct. The way of one who says, “Allah descends to the earth, and [that] upon every mosque Allah [has] set His foot”(1); and: “Upon every mosque He has set both His feet,” would also be correct.

The way of one who says:

“Our meeting took place upon the white pearl …
And at two bow-lengths the lovers met,”

would also be correct. So too would the way of one who says(2) that his shaykh has relieved him of the obligation to pray, along with other such forms of misguidance found among many of the common people who follow shaykhs.

Indeed, many of these people(3) are more certain of their own salvation and their shaykhs’ felicity than the Twelvers are of the salvation of the imams and their followers. If, as he has stated, it is obligatory to follow someone who categorically asserts salvation, then these people must also be followed. Part of following(4) these people is impugning the Shia and invalidating their way(5). Thus, following someone who categorically asserts salvation necessarily entails invalidating the Shia position. But if following such a person unconditionally is not a valid path, his argument is invalid.

Likewise, it may be said to these people and those alike(6): If following those who profess certainty is more deserving of adherence than the way of those who command obedience to Allah and His Messenger, (* and who follow the people of