The first illustration: A man leaves his house for prayer, intending nothing else. On his way, a devil from among mankind confronts him with hurtful words. The man stops, answers him back, and the two grapple. The human devil may be stronger, overpowering him and preventing him from reaching the mosque until he misses the prayer. Or the man may be stronger, but his quarrel distracts him from reaching the first row and attending the congregational prayer in full. By turning towards his adversary, he encourages him to think he can get the better of him. His own resolve may also weaken. If, however, he has knowledge and understanding, he quickens his pace and runs «1» enough to make up for his distraction, or more. If he turns away from his adversary, attends to his purpose, and fears missing the prayer or letting its time elapse, his enemy will not achieve what he wants from him.

The second illustration: A gazelle runs faster than a dog, but when it senses the dog, it turns to look at it and slows down. The dog then catches up with it and seizes it.

The point is that mentioning these companions dispels the loneliness of being alone and encourages the traveller to press forward and strive earnestly to join them.

This is one of the benefits of the qunūt supplication:

“O Allah, guide me among those You have guided.”

That is: include me in this company, and make me their companion, together with them.

The second benefit is that it appeals to Allah by invoking His blessings and His kindness towards those whom He has blessed with guidance. That is: You have bestowed guidance upon those You have guided, and this was a blessing from You. So grant me a share of this blessing, and make me one of those whom You have blessed. It is thus an appeal to Allah through His kindness.

The third benefit is like a petitioner saying to a generous person: “Give me charity among those to whom you have given charity; teach me among those you have taught; and show me kindness among those whom your kindness has embraced.”