having gained nothing beyond learning that they will die, their wealth will be divided, and the earth will consume their bodies. I wonder: what faith has this brought about? What affirmation of Allah’s oneness, knowledge of Him, or beneficial learning has it produced?

Anyone who reflects on the sermons of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and those of his Companions will find that they fully explain guidance and Allah’s oneness, describe the attributes of the Lord, majestic and exalted, and set out the fundamental principles of faith. They call people to Allah, recount His blessings that endear Him to His creation, recall His days that make them fear His might, and command remembrance of Him and gratitude to Him, which endear them to Him. They speak of Allah’s greatness, attributes, and names in ways that endear Him to His creation, and enjoin obedience, gratitude, and remembrance that endear them to Him. Thus, the listeners depart loving Him and loved by Him.

Then, as time passed, the light of prophethood grew dim, and religious laws and commands became mere outward forms to be observed, without regard for their true substance or purposes. People gave them their outward shapes and adorned them as they did, turning forms and conventions into established practices that must not be neglected, while neglecting the purposes that must not be neglected. They embellished (1) sermons with rhymed prose, phrases, and rhetorical ornamentation. The benefit that hearts derived from them diminished—indeed, disappeared—and their intended purpose was lost.

Among the accounts preserved of his sermons, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is that he frequently preached using the Quran, particularly Surah (Qāf). Umm Hishām (2) bint al-Hārith ibn al-Nu‘mān said: “I learned (Qāf) by heart only from the lips of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, as he preached with it from the pulpit (3).”