What is the reality of the Tariqiyyah (Sufi orders)? Is it true that there is only one path to knowing Allah? What is the means to know Him? Is it necessary to have a shaykh to guide people to the straight path? Is whoever opposes this shaykh considered astray? What is the reality of the legitimacy of the wird-based (regularly recited) adhkar (remembrances of Allah) followed by shaykhs who are called "followers"? Are they from the awrad (regular remembrances) of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace?

"Tariqiyyah" (Sectarianism) is a term applied to Sufis who invented innovated, unregulated paths that are not in accordance with Islamic law, such as the Jilaniyyah and Rifaiyyah, claiming that these paths purify the soul and cleanse the heart. These paths involve religious transgressions and satanic excesses. Their proponents stipulate the annulment of reason when receiving these teachings from their shaykhs. They claim that these paths lead to a station of sainthood (wilayah) higher than prophethood; some even claim knowledge of the unseen and the ability to control the universe, and they profess the doctrines of hulul (incarnation) and ittihad (unification with God). In summary, these paths and awrad (litany recitations) are false and innovated. The correct path leading to Allah is the path of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his successors, his companions, and those who followed them. Allah's path is one and straight. One must adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet and the Rightly Guided Caliphs, and beware of innovations, for every innovation is misguidance. A distinction must be made between sound Sufism, which purifies the soul according to Islamic regulations, and deviant, innovated Sufism. Knowledge of the states of the heart should be taken from those whose belief is sound and whose conduct is upright according to the Qur'an and Sunnah.