• Benefit: The Most High says, “Indeed, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him greatly in knowledge and physique” (al-Baqara 2:247), meaning strength and courage. From this verse we learn that when a ruler possesses these two qualities—knowledge of governance, statesmanship, and sound administration, together with bravery and physical might—he is fit for leadership and sovereignty, even if he is neither of royal lineage nor wealthy. The decisive consideration in every public office is the ability to establish it and carry it out in the most perfect manner, and kingship is not complete without knowledge and both moral and bodily courage.

• Benefit: The Almighty’s words, “Enter houses through their doors” (al-Baqara 2:189), convey—by the verbal and conceptual breadth of the phrase—that every important objective should be approached through its proper door, that is, by the nearest and most direct means that lead to it. This demands thorough knowledge of the causes and means so that one may choose the best among them—the nearest, easiest, and most likely to succeed. This applies equally to theoretical and practical matters, to religious and worldly affairs, and to issues whose benefit extends to others or remains personal; such an approach is true wisdom.

• Benefit: After Allah mentioned the prophets and praised them, He said, “Those are the ones whom Allah has guided, so follow their guidance” (al-Anʿām 6:90). This verse indicates that we are to follow all the prophets in every facet of the guidance they received, for Allah guided them in their beliefs, character, deeds, words, and actions. Hence, every matter for which Allah commended any of His prophets—whether a doctrine, a trait, or a deed—we are commanded to emulate, for that is part of their guidance and likewise part of our own law, since Allah has enjoined it upon us just as He has enjoined the general qualities that encompass many particulars.

• Benefit: When Allah, in His Book, commands us to perform something, that command includes both the act itself and everything without which it cannot be completed. Thus, for example, the command to establish prayer is also a command to purify oneself, cover the private parts, avoid impurity, face the qiblah, and with all