[Surah al-Nisā’: 171]. Allah Most High also said](1):

“O People of the Book, do not go to excess in your religion beyond the truth, nor follow the desires of a people who had gone astray before, led many others astray, and strayed from the middle of the path.”

[Surah al-Mā’idah: 77]

That is, the middle of the path. This is the straight course of which Allah said:

“It is for Allah to make the straight path clear.”

[Surah al-Nahl: 9]

It is the Straight Path. Thus, He first states that they had previously gone astray and then describes the nature of their misguidance.

Desires are the inclinations of the soul(2) without knowledge. Therefore, whoever does what his soul desires without knowledge establishing that it is beneficial is following his desires. Knowledge of what will benefit the servant with Allah in the Hereafter is the [knowledge](3) that the Messengers [brought](4).

Allah Most High said:

“But if they do not respond to you, then know that they are merely following their desires. Who could be further astray than one who follows his desires without guidance from Allah?”

[Surah al-Qasas: 50]

Allah Most High also said:

“Neither the Jews nor the Christians will ever be pleased with you until you follow their religion. Say, ‘Indeed, Allah’s guidance is the only true guidance.’ If you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you would have neither protector nor helper against Allah.”

[Surah al-Baqarah: 120]

Allah Most High also said:

“So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires by turning away from the truth that has come to you.”

[Surah al-Mā’idah: 48]

Allah Most High also said:

“Then We placed you upon an ordained way concerning the matter; so follow it, and do not follow the desires of those who do not know.”

[Surah al-Jāthiyah: 18].