• “And make us leaders for the God-fearing” (25:74)—in other words: O our Lord, raise us to that lofty station, the rank of the siddīqs and the most complete of Your righteous servants, the rank of leadership in religion. Let us become exemplars for the pious in both word and deed—people whose statements and actions may be followed with confidence because the God-fearing trust in their knowledge and their devotion—so that seekers of guidance may find guidance through them.

It is well known that when one prays for a thing, one is implicitly praying for everything without which that thing cannot be attained. Now this rank—leadership in religion—can only be reached through patience and certainty, as Allah says: “We appointed from among them leaders who guided by Our command when they had been patient and were certain of Our signs” (32:24). Accordingly, this supplication necessarily includes a request for righteous deeds; for patience in obeying Allah, in shunning His disobedience, and in bearing His painful decrees; and for sound, thorough, and firmly rooted knowledge that leads its possessor to the level of certainty—all of which constitute abundant good and immense bounty.

• Because their aspirations and their deeds are so exalted, their recompense is of the same kind. Thus He says: “Those are the ones who will be rewarded with the Chamber” (25:75)—that is, the high and lofty dwellings that combine every spiritual and physical delight—“because they were steadfast in performing these noble deeds. Therein they will be met with greetings and peace,” from their Lord, from the noble angels, and from one another; and they will be kept safe from every annoyance and disturbance.

• In summary: Allah has described them as possessing dignity and serenity; humility before Him and before His servants; refined manners; forbearance and breadth of character; forgiveness towards the ignorant and turning away from them; and repaying their offenses with kindness.