For this reason, whenever someone who knows the subject carefully investigates how much knowledge any one of them possesses, he finds him devoid of knowledge and far removed from it. He claims to be concealing his knowledge, when in fact he is merely concealing his ignorance—yet that ignorance betrays him. He seeks to use it to his advantage, but it works against him.

I have seen in Baghdad and elsewhere some among them who lay claim to this discipline, yet are held in contempt, disdained, and deemed feeble; none but a beginner would debate them. What more need be said about a discipline whose practitioner is regarded with hostility and shunned in this world, and cast out and blighted in the Hereafter? As for those in our land who dabble in it, they possess nothing of it but its name, and nothing of it has reached them but its mention.

Enjoining What Is Right and Forbidding What Is Wrong

You must enjoin what is right—and be among those who practice it—and forbid what is wrong and refrain from doing it.

Obedience to the Ruler in Matters Not Involving Disobedience to Allah

Obey whoever Allah has placed in authority over you, so long as you are not called upon to commit an act of disobedience. If you are, you must refuse, while rendering obedience in all other matters.

Adhering to Truthfulness and Avoiding Lies

You must be truthful, for truthfulness is an adornment; and beware of lying, for lying is a disgrace. A person renowned for truthfulness is praised when he speaks, whereas one known for lying is shunned and condemned even when silent. The least of a liar’s punishments is that he is not believed when he tells the truth, nor is any rightful claim of his deemed valid. Whenever Allah Most High characterizes anyone by lying, He does so only to condemn him; and whenever He characterizes anyone by truthfulness, He does so only to praise and exalt him thereby.

Discharging Trusts

You must faithfully discharge trusts, and beware of becoming involved in betrayal. Return what has been entrusted