And conveying his Sunnah to the community is better than sending arrows into the throats of the enemy. Many people can deliver arrows, but only the heirs of the prophets and their successors among their peoples undertake to convey the Sunnah. May Allah Most High make us among them by His grace and generosity.

They are as ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb described them in the sermon recorded by Ibn Waddāh in his book al-Hawādith wa-l-Bidaʿ (Events and Innovations), when he said:

“Praise be to Allah, who has graciously provided His servants, in every interval between messengers, with remnants of the people of knowledge. They call those who have strayed to guidance, patiently endure their harm, and, through Allah’s Book, give sight to the blind. How many whom Satan had slain have they brought to life, and how many who had strayed have they guided! They have sacrificed their blood and wealth to save Allah’s servants from destruction. How beautiful is their influence upon people, and how ugly is people’s treatment of them! People have overpowered them in ages past, down to this very day. Yet your Lord has not forgotten them, nor is your Lord ever forgetful. He has made their accounts a source of guidance and told of their excellent words. So do not fall short of them, for theirs is an exalted station, even if they are brought low.”

ʿAbd Allāh ibn Masʿūd said:

“Whenever an innovation is devised to undermine Islam, Allah has an ally among His allies who comes to its defense and makes the innovation’s distinguishing signs known. So seize the opportunity to be present on such occasions, and put your trust in Allah.”

Sufficient in this regard is the Prophet’s saying (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to ʿAlī, and also to Muʿādh:

“For Allah to guide a single man through you is better for you than red camels.”

And his saying (may Allah bless him and grant him peace):

“Whoever revives any part of my Sunnah, he and I will be together in Paradise like these two”—and he brought two fingers together.

And his saying:

“Whoever calls to guidance and is followed in it will have a reward like that of those who follow him, until the Day of Resurrection.”

How, then, could one who performs deeds attain this immense merit and abundant share through any knowledge he possesses? That is only Allah’s bounty, which He grants to whom He wills. And Allah is the Possessor of immense bounty.