of the truth to nations whose number none but Allah can count, the turning of people in droves toward the path of the Sunnah and the Mainstream Community, and many other favours—blessings (1) that demand immense gratitude and patient endurance, even though the patience required is patience in times of prosperity.

You also know that among the great foundations at the very heart of the religion are: bringing hearts together, uniting the word, and mending (2) relations. Allah the Exalted says, “So be mindful of Allah and set matters right among yourselves” (Al-Anfal 1). He says likewise, “Hold fast, all of you together, to the rope of Allah and do not be divided” (Al-Imran 103), and He says, “Do not be like those who divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them; for such people there is a mighty punishment” (Al-Imran 105).

Texts such as these command solidarity and harmony and forbid (3) schism ⦗93⦘ and discord.

Those who uphold this principle are the People of the Community, whereas those who depart from it are the people of division.

The sum of the Sunnah is obedience to the Messenger. For this reason the Prophet ﷺ said in the authentic hadith recorded by Muslim in his Sahih (4) on the authority of Abu Hurayrah: “Allah is pleased with you for three things: that you worship Him without associating anything with Him; that you all hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not divide; and that …”