All this, then, is what you must both observe and hold fast to. Do not abandon it for any passing circumstance or prospect of gain. An appealing aspect of some matter may arise and lead you away from what is true without due examination. Yet its evil consequences will ultimately become manifest, bringing regret when regret is of no avail and making one wish to remedy matters when that is no longer possible.

Luqmān’s Counsel to His Son

If you should lose this counsel of mine and forget its meaning, then adhere to what Allah Most High related in Luqmān’s counsel to his son, for it contains the sum of all goodness:

“O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and patiently endure whatever befalls you. Surely this is among the matters requiring resolve. Do not turn your cheek away from people in contempt, nor walk upon the earth exultantly. Surely Allah does not love anyone arrogant and boastful. Be moderate in your gait and lower your voice; indeed, the most disagreeable of sounds is the braying of donkeys.” Luqmān 17–19

I counsel you both, knowing that I cannot avail you in the least against Allah. Judgment belongs to Allah alone. In Him I place my trust, and in Him let those who trust place their trust. He is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.

The blessed counsel is complete. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May Allah bless our master and patron Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets, his pure family, and his chosen Companions, and grant them abundant peace until the Day of Judgment. This was on Thursday, the seventh of the month of Dhū al-Hijja, at the close of the year 749 AH.