their corrupt beliefs, and their deviating sayings against which God warned the believers in many verses, including His Almighty’s saying in Surat al-Isrā’:

{And indeed, they were about to tempt you away from that which We revealed to you in order to [make] you invent about Us something else; and then they would have taken you as a friend. And if We had not strengthened you, you would have almost inclined to them a little. Then We would have made you taste double [punishment in] life and double [after] death; then you would not find for yourself against Us a helper. ... (up to His saying: ... [That is] the established way (sunnah) of those We had sent before you of Our messengers; and you will not find in Our way any alteration.)} (Al-Isrā’: 73–77).

The address in this verse is directed to the Prophet (PBUH), but the intent is to strike fear into the believers; for the Quran was revealed according to the meaning of the proverb: “I mean you, but listen, O neighbor.”

The verse indicates that whoever is seduced away from what has come to him of the True Religion—which is the Esoteric of Revelation (Bāṭin al-Waḥy)—and clings to its exoteric aspect (Ẓāhir), has become a close friend to the people of disbelief and delusion. Were it not for God keeping His believing servant firm through His hidden graces and the firm, decisive word, he might have inclined toward them a little—