in fulfilling what I have promised you, and to protect me from error in doing so.

Know, my brother, that this trial has now become widespread and pervasive, spreading throughout the lands. Hardly anyone escapes its swirling dust except those whom Allah protects. This bears out the words of the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: “The religion began as something strange and will return to being strange as it began, so glad tidings to the strangers.” We are now living in that very age and among its people, so do not be surprised by what you witness of it.