people, meeting their needs, and helping them through wealth, influence, and other forms of assistance were superior. They devoted themselves to this and pursued it, citing the Prophet’s saying (peace and blessings be upon him):

“All creatures are Allah’s dependants, and those most beloved to Him are those most beneficial to His dependants.” Reported by Abū Yaʿlā.

They argued that the worshipper’s deeds benefit only himself, whereas the deeds of someone who benefits others extend beyond himself. How could the two compare? They said, “This is why the scholar’s superiority over the worshipper is like the moon’s superiority over all the other heavenly bodies.”

They also said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) told ʿAlī ibn Abī Tālib (may Allah be pleased with him):

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

This superiority, they argued, was due to the benefit extending to others. They also cited his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):

“Whoever calls others to guidance will have a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him, without their rewards being diminished in the least.” «1»

They further cited his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):

“Allah and His angels send blessings upon those who teach people good.”

And his saying (peace and blessings be upon him):

“Those in the heavens and those on earth seek forgiveness for the scholar—even the fish in the sea and the ant in its burrow.”

They argued that when a worshipper dies, his deeds cease, whereas the deeds of someone who benefits others continue as long as the benefit attributable to him endures.

They also argued that the prophets were sent to do good to people, guide them, and benefit them in this life and the Hereafter. They were not sent to practise seclusion, withdraw from people, or embrace monasticism. This is why the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reproved those men who intended to withdraw into worship and cease mingling with people. This group therefore considered having one’s attention divided while carrying out Allah’s commands, benefiting His servants, and doing good to them better than maintaining an undivided focus on Him without doing these things.

The fourth group said that the best worship is to strive to please the Lord