Following a certain course is sometimes recommended in the Glorious Qur’an and sometimes it is prohibited.
Among the places where following a certain course is recommended is the following:
1. Following the course of revelation i.e. the Glorious Qur’an. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: “Alif-Lâm-Mîm-Sâd. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. (This is the) Book (the Qur’ân) sent down unto you (O Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)), so let not your breast be narrow therefrom, that you warn thereby; and a reminder unto the believers. [Say (O Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم)) to these idolaters (pagan Arabs) of your folk:] Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’ân and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Auliyâ’ (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allâh), besides Him (Allâh). Little do you remember!” (7:1-3)
These verses illustrate the following points:
- The greatness of the Glorious Qur’an, which is sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise.
- The Glorious Qur’an includes all that mankind need for their spiritual and material life. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: “And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’ân) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allâh as Muslims).” (16:89)
- It was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to warn mankind as a whole. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: “And We have not sent you (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all mankind.” (34:28)
- The commandment to follow what Allah has revealed to His Messenger (peace be upon him).
- The prohibition of following other than what was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) such as the saints whom people invoked either besides Allah or in His stead. Allah [may He be Glorified] said: “Surely the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allâh only.” (39:3) He also said: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him.” (98:5)
Source: Qurancomplex
