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Ibn ‘Awn said:[1]
Those who sit with the People of Innovation are more severe upon us than the People of Innovation themselves.
The Salaf were very aware that there can be among the People of the Sunnah, or those ascribing to them, those who do not appreciate the wisdom in what has preceded of this methodology.
Thus, they have ties, friendships and affiliations or affectations with some of the deviants, innovators, or the disparaged. As a result, they may find ways to justify these connections and interactions, on the basis of what they think to be their personal maṣlaḥah (beneficial interest), not the maṣlaḥah intended and desired in the Sharīʿah, and in the understanding of the Salaf.
This leads them to then bring doubts and misconceptions, and to even start harbouring dislike and aversion towards the People of the Sunnah who implement this methodology.
Eventually, they become severe and harsh, and more harmful to Ahl al-Sunnah than the deviants and innovators themselves, spending their time spreading their doubts and their poison, simply because their personal interests are impeded by the implementation of the Salafi methodology.
They become more harmful because the affair of the innovators and deviants is already clear, and Ahl al-Sunnah are not affected or deceived by them. But these types of people create doubts and confusion among Ahl al-Sunnah, leading to schisms and splits.