to by the masters of the spiritual path—the knowledge of the elect. His answer would thus concern the greatest obligation, not the first obligation. Such, then, is the matter.

Abū al-Qāsim then related, without a chain of transmission, that al-Junayd said:

“The first thing the servant needs among the foundations of wisdom is for the creature to know its Maker, and for that which has been brought into being to know how it was brought into being. He thus recognizes what distinguishes the Creator from the creature, and the Eternal from that which has been brought into being. He humbly submits to His call and acknowledges the obligation to obey Him. For if he does not know what is due to Allah, he will not acknowledge sovereignty as belonging to the One entitled to it.”

These are sound words, consistent with al-Junayd’s teaching. They include the distinction between the creature and the Creator, lest the seeker fall into the doctrines of union and indwelling, as various groups have done. He also mentions two foundations: affirmation and submission, for faith consists of word and deed. Thus, he mentions knowing the Maker, humbly submitting to His call, and acknowledging the obligation to obey Him.

This is among the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah and the leading spiritual masters, especially the Sufi masters. The foundation of their path is the will, which is the basis of action. They are therefore more firmly grounded in matters of will, worship, deeds, and character than in doctrinal formulations and branches of knowledge. To the former they devote greater concern and attention. Indeed, anyone who does not engage in these things does not belong to the people of the path at all.