that they had been lying, deceived and deluded. Alas for knowledge that then brings its possessor no benefit, and certainty that cannot save the one who holds it!

The same applies to someone who seeks the highest end and the loftiest goal, but does not pursue it through the means that lead to it. Instead, he adopts means he thinks will bring him to it, though they are among the greatest barriers to reaching it. His condition is like that of the former: both have corrupt intent. There is no cure for this disease except the remedy of “You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”

This remedy consists of six components:
[1] Worshipping Allah alone, and no other.
[2] In accordance with His commands and revealed law.
[3] Not according to personal desires.
[4] Nor according to people’s opinions, devised practices, conventions, or ideas.
[5] Seeking His help in worshipping Him.
[6] Not relying on the servant’s own strength and power, or on anyone else.

These are the components of “You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.” When a discerning physician who understands the disease compounds them, and the patient takes the remedy, complete healing follows. Any deficiency in the healing results from the absence of one, two, or more of its components.

The heart is also subject to two grave diseases which, unless treated in time, will inevitably bring it to ruin: showing off and pride. The remedy for showing off is “You alone we worship,” and the remedy for pride is “You alone we ask for help.”

I would often hear Shaykh al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah sanctify his soul—say: “‘You alone we worship’ wards off showing off, and ‘You alone we ask for help’ wards off arrogance.”

Thus, when the heart is cured of the disease of showing off through “You alone we worship,” and of the disease of pride and self-admiration