What is the ruling on following a preacher who cites a fabricated hadith and attributes it to the Messenger of Allah, Allah bless him and grant him peace, which is: "My Companions are like the stars; whichever of them you follow, you will be guided," and who calls for interfaith dialogue and rapprochement? Is it permissible to follow his programs, knowing that the common people have been captivated by his program?

The fundamental principle is that every Muslim should be a caller to Allah Almighty's religion according to their capacity and ability, for dawah is the mission of the prophets and their followers. Allah Almighty says: "Say, 'This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me.'" The داعية (caller to Islam) should not rely on weak hadiths. The aforementioned hadith (definition), "My Companions are like the stars...", is very weak. As for the ruling on interfaith dialogue, there is no religious impediment to it. Allah Almighty says: "Say, 'O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you,'" and He says: "And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in the best way." However, if the aim of rapprochement is unity between religions, then this is neither permissible Islamically nor sound logically.