and there are well-known accounts and transmitted stories of their efforts, familiar to those versed in the subject and recorded for anyone wishing to learn about them. These tell of scholars resting their heads on the earth, forgoing delightful food and drink and the company of family and friends, patiently enduring the bitterness of being far from home, and braving terrible hardships. Allah made this pursuit dear and sweet to them so that He might thereby preserve His religion. Likewise, He made the Sacred House a place of return and safety for people, who journey to it from every distant mountain pass and endure painful hardships along the way. He also made fighting with one’s life and wealth dear to those who engage in battle, in His wisdom, thereby preserving the religion, leading the rightly guided, and making the guidance and religion of truth with which He sent His Messenger prevail, even though the polytheists dislike it. Whoever sincerely performs the deeds of religion for Allah is among Allah’s pious allies, destined for everlasting bliss.

As He, the Most High, said:

“Indeed, the allies of Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve.”

“Those who believed and were mindful of Allah.”

“For them are glad tidings in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. There is no changing the words of Allah. That is the supreme triumph.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, explained that glad tidings in this world take two forms:

The first is the praise that others give a person.

The second is a good dream that a righteous man sees, or that someone else sees concerning him.

He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, a man performs a deed for his own benefit, and people praise him for it.” He replied, “That is the believer’s glad tidings received in advance.”

Al-Barā’ ibn ‘Āzib said: The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was asked about His words, “For them are glad tidings in the life of this world.” He replied, “It is a good dream that a righteous man sees, or that someone else sees concerning him.”

Those who undertake to preserve the knowledge inherited from the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace—the body of custodians who safeguard it against additions and omissions—are among the greatest of Allah’s pious allies and members of His party