knowledge—both its foundational and subsidiary matters—they merely follow other sects. They borrow what others say and repeat it. Whatever truth their discourse contains comes from Ahl al-Sunnah; they possess not a single sound doctrine independently of them, whether in foundational or subsidiary matters, for the innovation of these people originated with hypocrites, not believers] (1).

Accordingly, the one who denies this is disputing with his own associates over it, yet he has offered no proof. A detailed account (2) of the positions of Ahl al-Sunnah on this matter has already been given, and his own associates have transmitted from the imams [what] (3) contradicts his position concerning (4) it.

[Commentary on his statement: “He rewards the obedient and pardons the sinner or punishes him”]

As for his statement:

“Indeed, Allah (5) rewards the obedient and pardons the sinner or punishes him” (6).

This is the position of Ahl al-Sunnah proper, of all others who affiliate themselves with the Sunnah and the Community—such as the Kullābiyya, Karrāmiyya, Ashʿariyya, and Sālimiyya—and of the other groups within the Muslim community, including the Murjiʾa and others. The dispute over this is with (7) the Kharijites and the Muʿtazila, for they maintain that those guilty of major sins will abide eternally in the Fire.

As for the Shiʿa, the Zaydīs among them (8) espouse (9) the Muʿtazilite position on this matter, while the Imāmiyya hold two views.