both his worldly life and his hereafter, and to prefer and desire whatever benefits him (1) while avoiding whatever harms him. When these two elements are combined (2), he has been guided to the Straight Path (3). If he lacks knowledge of that, he follows the way of those who have gone astray (4); and if he fails to intend it (5) and to adhere to it, he follows the way of those who have incurred wrath (6).

By this one realizes the worth of this tremendous supplication, the severity of the need for it (7), and that happiness in this world and the next depends upon it (8).

The servant needs guidance at every moment and with every breath, regarding everything he does and everything he refrains from, for he is always confronted by situations (9) from which he cannot escape:

The first of these is matters he has undertaken without guidance, out of ignorance (10); in such cases he must seek guidance to the truth concerning them (11).