The phrase “don’t get high on your own supply” originated from the 1983 movie “Scarface.” In the film, the protagonist, drug dealer Tony Montana, starts excessively using his own cocaine supply, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Metaphorically, this phrase is applied to situations where people become overly self-confident or arrogant, believing they are infallible or incapable of making mistakes.
Lesson from History
The Quran cautions its readers that a significant reason for the downfall of many Jews and Christians was their overconfidence in their own righteousness. They believed themselves to be incapable of straying from the right path and considered themselves as the sole recipients of God’s love and grace. This mindset, characterized by an unwarranted sense of spiritual superiority and exclusivity, is presented as a warning against complacency and arrogance in one’s faith.
2:135 They said, “You have to be Jewish or Christian, to be guided.” Say, “We follow the religion of Abraham—monotheism—he never was an idol worshiper.”
2:136 Say, “We believe in GOD, and in what was sent down to us, and in what was sent down to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs; and in what was given to Moses and Jesus, and all the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction among any of them. To Him alone we are submitters.”
2:137 If they believe as you do, then they are guided. But if they turn away, then they are in opposition. GOD will spare you their opposition; He is the Hearer, the Omniscient.
2:138 Such is GOD’s system, and whose system is better than GOD’s? “Him alone we worship.”
Say, “Do you argue with us about GOD, when He is our Lord and your Lord? We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. To Him alone we are devoted.”
Do you say that Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Patriarchs were Jewish or Christian? Say, “Do you know better than GOD? Who is more evil than one who conceals a testimony he has learned from GOD? GOD is never unaware of anything you do.”
The Quran addresses and rebukes these misconceptions, clarifying the issue. It teaches that divine guidance is not exclusive to any single group. The Quran emphasizes that true righteousness does not stem from identifying as Jewish or Christian, labels that humans have applied to their beliefs. Instead, it asserts that what truly defines one’s righteousness is their actions and dedication to God alone.
3:65 O followers of the scripture, why do you argue about Abraham, when the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him? Do you not understand?
The Quran challenges the notion of Jewish and Christian claims to superior righteousness by highlighting that they are subject to divine punishment for their sins, just like any other group of people. This perspective underscores the idea that no community is inherently more virtuous or immune to consequences for wrongdoing, emphasizing the equality of all people under divine judgment.
5:18 The Jews and the Christians said, “We are GOD’s children and His beloved.” Say, “Why then does He punish you for your sins? You are just humans like the other humans He created.” He forgives whomever He wills and punishes whomever He wills. To GOD belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and everything between them, and to Him is the final destiny.
Indeed, the Quran suggests that greater favor from God is accompanied by increased responsibility. This principle implies that those who are blessed or favored by God are also held to a higher standard of accountability for their actions. The concept reflects the idea that with greater blessings come greater expectations for ethical and moral conduct, as well as a deeper commitment to fulfilling one’s responsibilities towards God. The Children of Israel were blessed with many miracles and prophets, and while this was a major blessing, it was also a major responsibility.
2:40 O Children of Israel, remember My favor, which I bestowed upon you, and fulfill your part of the covenant, that I fulfill My part of the covenant, and reverence Me.
5:114 Said Jesus, the son of Mary, “Our god, our Lord, send down to us a feast from the sky. Let it bring plenty for each and every one of us, and a sign from You. Provide for us; You are the best Provider.”
The Quran presents a critical test regarding the claims of guaranteed guidance made by certain groups. It suggests that if these groups are truly confident in their guaranteed divine guidance and the rewards that follow, they should then long for death, as it would bring them closer to those promised rewards. However, the Quran points out that they do not long for death, implying that, at a fundamental level, they recognize the uncertainty of their claims. This test serves to highlight the discrepancy between their professed beliefs and their actual attitudes towards death and the hereafter, questioning the authenticity of their conviction in their own righteousness.
62:6 Say, “O you who are Jewish, if you claim that you are GOD’s chosen, to the exclusion of all other people, then you should long for death if you are truthful! “
62:7 They will never long for it, because of what they have committed. GOD is fully aware of the wicked.
Accept Only What We Tell You And Reject Everything Else
It seems that a these groups find it too much of an attack on their self worth and egos to admit that they do not have a monopolyon God’s grace, which He distributes as He pleases. In resistance to this divine decree, they insist that their followers only acknowledge the teachings sent to their group, while disregarding revelations given to others.
3:72 Some followers of the scripture say, “Believe in what was sent down to the believers in the morning, and reject it in the evening; maybe some da y they will revert.
3:73 “And do not believe except as those who follow your religion.” Say, “The true guidance is GOD’s guidance.” If they claim that they have the same guidance, or argue with you about your Lord, say, “All grace is in GOD’s hand; He bestows it upon whomever He wills.” GOD is Bounteous, Omniscient.
My interpretation of the verse from the scripture addressing the people of the book, which says, “Believe in what was sent down to the believers in the morning, and reject it in the evening,” is that it should be understood metaphorically. It suggests that followers of different faiths are inclined to accept only the revelations specifically given to them, while dismissing subsequent revelations given to others. This attitude essentially denies the principle that God can grant His grace to anyone He chooses. This concept is further reinforced in subsequent verses.
2:88 Some would say, “Our minds are made up!” Instead, it is a curse from GOD, as a consequence of their disbelief, that keeps them from believing, except for a few of them.
2:89 When this scripture came to them from GOD, and even though it agrees with, and confirms what they have, and even though they used to prophesy its advent when they talked with the disbelievers, when their own prophecy came to pass, they disbelieved therein. GOD’s condemnation thus afflicts the disbelievers.
2:90 Miserable indeed is what they sold their souls for—rejecting these revelations of GOD out of sheer resentment that GOD should bestow His grace upon whomever He chooses from among His servants. Consequently, they incurred wrath upon wrath. The disbelievers have incurred a humiliating retribution.
2:91 When they are told, “You shall believe in these revelations of GOD,” they say, “We believe only in what was sent down to us.” Thus, they disbelieve in subsequent revelations, even if it is the truth from their Lord, and even though it confirms what they have! Say, “Why then did you kill GOD’s prophets, if you were believers?”
The messenger is even advised not to be saddened by these kinds of actions
5:41 O you messenger, do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelieve among those who say, “We believe,” with their mouths, while their hearts do not believe. Among the Jews, some listened to lies. They listened to people who never met you, and who distorted the words out of context, then said, “If you are given this, accept it, but if you are given anything different, beware.” Whomever GOD wills to divert, you can do nothing to help him against GOD. GOD does not wish to cleanse their hearts. They have incurred humiliation in this world, and in the Hereafter, they will suffer a terrible retribution.
The Quran explains that their behavior is motivated by jealousy, stemming from the misconception that God’s guidance given to others somehow diminishes the guidance He can offer them. This perspective suggests a belief in a limited allocation of divine guidance as if it were a finite resource affected by distribution to others.
2:109 Many followers of the scripture would rather see you revert to disbelief, now that you have believed. This is due to jealousy on their part, after the truth has become evident to them. You shall pardon them, and leave them alone, until GOD issues His judgment. GOD is Omnipotent.
2:213 The people used to be one community when GOD sent the prophets as bearers of good news, as well as warners. He sent down with them the scripture, bearing the truth, to judge among the people in their disputes. Ironically, those who received the scripture were the ones who rejected any new scripture, despite clear proofs given to them. This is due to jealousy on their part. GOD guides those who believe to the truth that is disputed by all others, in accordance with His will. GOD guides whoever wills in a straight path.*
This reflects a misunderstanding of the concept that God has infinite resources at His disposal and is not constrained in what He can provide to His creations.
5:64 The Jews even said, “GOD’s hand is tied down!” It is their hands that are tied down. They are condemned for uttering such a blasphemy. Instead, His hands are wide open, spending as He wills. For certain, your Lord’s revelations to you will cause many of them to plunge deeper into transgression and disbelief. Consequently, we have committed them to animosity and hatred among themselves until the Day of Resurrection. Whenever they ignite the flames of war, GOD puts them out. They roam the earth wickedly, and GOD dislikes the evildoers.
A common misinterpretation by some readers of the Quran is to view the passages about past peoples’ failures as a means for contemporary readers to feel superior. However, this perspective misses the point: these historical accounts are not intended for self-congratulation but serve as stark warnings to avoid repeating similar mistakes.
Regrettably, Sunnis, along with other Islamic sects, have fallen into the same error as the Jews and Christians of the past. They mistakenly believe they have exclusive access to God’s grace and are immune to deviating from the right path.
The Believers’ Way
A common argument that is often made to justify their claim of Sunni superiority in religion is extracted from the following verse.
4:115 As for him who opposes the messenger, after the guidance has been pointed out to him, and follows other than the believers’ way, we will direct him in the direction he has chosen, and commit him to Hell; what a miserable destiny!
The core argument is that the Quran instructs us to adhere to the believer’s way. Sunnis claim they represent the believers, hence the directive to follow their way. However, this reasoning is flawed due to its circular nature. Merely designating oneself as a “believer” doesn’t inherently validate that claim, similar to how a terrorist organization naming itself Hezbollah, meaning “Party of God,” doesn’t confer legitimacy or divine endorsement. Furthermore, self-identifying as believers doesn’t automatically protect a group from deviating from the right path nor grant them authority to unilaterally declare their interpretations as the definitive understanding of the religion.
Ijma
Sunnis extend the argument from Quran 4:119 to assert that their consensus opinion (ijma / إجماع) cannot be wrong. And there are a number of Hadith propagating this claim.
Anas bin Malik said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘My nation will not unite on misguidance, so if you see them differing, follow the great majority.’”
حَدَّثَنَا الْعَبَّاسُ بْنُ عُثْمَانَ الدِّمَشْقِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُعَانُ بْنُ رِفَاعَةَ السَّلاَمِيُّ، حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو خَلَفٍ الأَعْمَى، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ “ إِنَّ أُمَّتِي لَنْ تَجْتَمِعَ عَلَى ضَلاَلَةٍ فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمُ اخْتِلاَفًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّوَادِ الأَعْظَمِ ” .
Sunan Ibn Majah 3950
https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3950
Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: “Allah’s Hand is with the Jama’ah.”
It was narrated that ‘Arfajah bin Shuraih Al-Ashja’I said: “I saw the Prophet [SAW] on the Minbar addressing the people. He said: ‘After me there will be many calamities and much evil behavior. Whoever you see splitting away from the Jama’ah or trying to create division among the Ummah of Muhammad [SAW], then kill him, for the Hand of Allah is with the Jama’ah, and the Shaitan is with the one who splits away from the Ummah, running with him.'”
أَخْبَرَنِي أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى الصُّوفِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ مَرْدَانْبَهْ، عَنْ زِيَادِ بْنِ عِلاَقَةَ، عَنْ عَرْفَجَةَ بْنِ شُرَيْحٍ الأَشْجَعِيِّ، قَالَ رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى الْمِنْبَرِ يَخْطُبُ النَّاسَ فَقَالَ “ إِنَّهُ سَيَكُونُ بَعْدِي هَنَاتٌ وَهَنَاتٌ فَمَنْ رَأَيْتُمُوهُ فَارَقَ الْجَمَاعَةَ أَوْ يُرِيدُ تَفْرِيقَ أَمْرِ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَائِنًا مَنْ كَانَ فَاقْتُلُوهُ فَإِنَّ يَدَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْجَمَاعَةِ فَإِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ مَعَ مَنْ فَارَقَ الْجَمَاعَةَ يَرْكُضُ ” .
19:73 When our revelations are recited to them, clearly, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Which of us is more prosperous? Which of us is in the majority?”
Their scholars have expanded this notion further, asserting, based on their lies attributed to the prophet, that they are never penalized for their judgments, even if they are clearly wrong, but are always rewarded instead.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “ When the judge passes a judgement in which he strived and was correct, then he receives two rewards. And when he judges and is mistaken, then he receives one reward.”
In this framework, they have granted themselves complete immunity from the repercussions of their decisions and actions. They view themselves as the sole true believers, excluding all others, and believe they are infallible. They are convinced that, even in the case of error, they will only receive rewards and never face punishment. Consequently, they have failed to take heed of the numerous warnings from God, likely due to their neglecting the teachings in the Quran.
25:30 The messenger said, “My Lord, my people have deserted this Quran.”
They are repeating the exact same mistakes that the Christians and Jews have made in the past. They have turned the religion of Submission, where one submits to the will of God, irrespective of the name of their faith, into a cult under the moniker of Islam.
2:62 Surely, those who believe, those who are Jewish, the Christians, and the converts; anyone who (1) believes in GOD, and (2) believes in the Last Day, and (3) leads a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
Similar to how the Jews became overly focused on their identity rather than their actions, the majority of Muslims have fallen into a similar pattern. They have formed themselves into a distinct sect, believing they alone are rightly guided.
However, if their belief were accurate, they would not experience punishment. Yet, the Muslim world is beset with various crises, including persistent conflicts, immense suffering, and widespread tyranny, suggesting a contradiction between their belief in exclusive guidance and the reality of their circumstances.
8:73 Those who disbelieved are allies of one another. Unless you keep these commandments, there will be chaos on earth, and terrible corruption.
The Quran warns that if a group favored by God fails to observe His commandments, then they are destined to experience animosity and hatred among themselves. This is exactly the situation we observe in the Muslim world today.
5:14 Also from those who said, “We are Christian,” we took their covenant. But they disregarded some of the commandments given to them. Consequently, we condemned them to animosity and hatred among themselves, until the Day of Resurrection. GOD will then inform them of everything they had done.
If Sunni scholars are only rewarded for their judgments, then they should long for death, yet they don’t. Instead, they opt for this life and dwell with their vast wealth while their people suffer.