The essence of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah
Following the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and knowledge and insight.
This is adherence to the Book and the Sunnah as understood by the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them.
This is opposed by falling short and negligence in following.
Just as it is opposed by extremism and excess.
Following is a middle path between the extremist who goes too far and the one who is harsh and falls short.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” (3:31)
And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
And He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
“So tread thou the straight path as thou art commanded, and those who turn (unto Allah) with thee, and transgress not. Lo! He is Seer of what ye do.” (11:112)
And the characteristic of following is also essential in calling people.
This means that the call must be based on insight and knowledge.
Allah, the Exalted, says:
“Say: This is my Way: I call on Allah with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to Allah! - and I am not of the idolaters.” (12:108)
“Say: This is my Way: I call on Allah with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to Allah! - and I am not of the idolaters.” (12:108)
“Say: This is my Way: I call on Allah with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to Allah! - and I am not of the idolaters.” (12:108)
And among the insights is the caller's understanding of the reality in which they live.
And their awareness of the path of the criminals, their plots, and their methods.
The essence of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah