and the superiority of the pure and undiluted members of his community over those who adulterated what he brought with foreign elements—those who veer away from the straight path.

It was to these two fundamentals—worship and reliance—that the Prophet ﷺ constantly directed his acts of devotion, his remembrances, and his intimate supplications. Consider his words over the sacrificial animal: “O Allah, this is from You and for You.” His phrase “from You” expresses reliance and seeking help, while “for You” conveys pure worship.

Likewise, during his night prayer he would say: “To You I submit, in You I believe, upon You I rely, to You I turn in repentance; by Your might I contend, and to You I bring my case. I seek refuge in Your majesty—there is no god but You—from being led astray. You are the Living One who never dies, whereas the jinn and humankind will all perish,” and he offered many similar invocations.