Author’s Introduction

All praise belongs to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, and ask His forgiveness (1). We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our own souls and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, no one can lead astray, and whomever He lets go astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

“O you who believe, be mindful of Allah with the mindfulness He deserves, and do not die except in a state of submission.” “O mankind, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul and from it created its mate, and from the two of them spread countless men and women. Be mindful of Allah through whom you appeal to one another, and of the wombs that bore you; indeed, Allah is ever watching over you.” “O you who believe, be mindful of Allah and speak words that are upright; He will set right your deeds and forgive you your sins. Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has truly achieved a magnificent triumph.”

To proceed: the most truthful speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him. The worst of matters are those newly introduced; every novelty is an innovation, every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.