—faith in Allah, His angels, His scriptures, His messengers, and the meeting with Him; together with reminders of Paradise and Hellfire, of what Allah has prepared for His loyal friends and those who obey Him, and of what He has prepared for His enemies and the people of disobedience.
4 – He would forbid introducing innovations into the religion or bringing about new matters, for Allah has perfected the faith and completed His favour upon His Muslim servants. He would declare that every innovation is misguidance and that every misguidance leads to the Fire. The person who is astray yet imagines himself rightly guided is in a worse situation than the sinner who knows he is disobeying Allah. The former is unlikely to turn back from his error and innovation, whereas the latter still has a strong hope of returning to Allah in repentance for the sins he commits.
5 – His statement, “Every innovation is misguidance,” proves that the attempt to divide innovation into “good” and “bad” categories is unsound; all innovation is misguidance, whatever form it takes.
6 – Another narration states that part of the sermon’s etiquette is to open it with praise of Allah and exaltation of Him, for any speech that does not begin with praising Allah is bereft of blessing. Guidance and success rest in Allah’s hand, whereas a servant’s going astray is of his own making; nonetheless nothing lies outside His power and will—everything returns to the decree of the All-Wise and His lofty will.
7 – Al-Baghawī said: It is recommended to end the sermon with the words, “I seek Allah’s forgiveness for myself and for you,” and most scholars act upon this. Al-Rawḍ adds that it is permitted to supplicate for a specific individual, such as the ruler, for Abū Mūsā supplicated for ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with him). Imām Aḥmad said: “If we possessed a supplication that would certainly be answered, we would direct it to the ruler, for the welfare of the Muslims lies in his righteousness.” Al-Nawawī said: “Supplicating for the leaders of the Muslims and those in charge of their affairs—for their rectitude and their help in upholding the truth and the like—is, by unanimous agreement, recommended.”
8 – The preacher, and anyone else who supplicates on behalf of the rulers of the Muslims, should not confine in his heart