[The Standard Introductory Sermon quoted by the editor]
[The Motive for Writing the Book]

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate.

All praise belongs to Allah, who has perfected our religion for us, completed His favor upon us, and chosen Islam for us as our way of life. He has commanded us (1) to seek His guidance to the Straight Path, the path of those upon whom He has bestowed His grace (2)—not that of those who have incurred His wrath, namely the Jews, nor of those who have gone astray, namely the Christians.

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. He sent him with the upright religion and the pristine monotheistic faith (3), placed him upon a clear law to be followed, and instructed him to proclaim:

“ This is my way; I call to Allah with clear insight— I and whoever follows me.” (Yūsuf 12:108) (4)

May Allah bless him, his family, and grant them peace (5).

To proceed: I had previously prohibited—whether on my own initiative or in response to a question (6)(7)—any imitation of the unbelievers.