And He—Great is He as a Speaker—said: "{When they will dispute with one another in the Fire, the weak will say to those who had been arrogant, 'Indeed, we were your followers, so can you avail us anything against a portion of the Fire?' They will say, 'If Allah had guided us, we would have guided you}" 1 . Do you know what "arrogance" (Istikbar) is? It is the abandonment of obedience to the one whose obedience was commanded, and the acting with superiority over the one whose allegiance (Mubaya'a) was commanded.
The Quran speaks much of this, if a contemplator were to contemplate it, its deterrents, its sermons, and its benefits. Know, O believers, that Allah—Exalted and Sublime—said: "{Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly}" 2 .
Do you know what the "Cause (Path) of Allah" is, and who is His Cause, His Straight Path (Sirat), and His Way? I am the Path of Allah; whosoever does not tread it with obedience shall be cast down into the Fire.
"I am the Cause (Path) of Allah, whom He established to be followed after His Prophet—Exalted is His Majesty.