despite hardship, taking many steps to the mosques, and waiting for the next prayer after each prayer. That is ribāt (keeping watch); that is ribāt.”

As for merely exposing oneself to heat and cold without any religiously sanctioned benefit, going barefoot, uncovering one’s head, and similar practices that some people regard as striving against the self—if these bring a person no benefit and involve no obedience to Allah, there is no good in them.

Indeed, it is established in an authentic hadith that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, saw a man standing in the sun and asked:

“What is this?”

They replied, “This is Abū Isrā’īl. He has vowed to stand in the sun, not to seek shade or speak, and to fast.”

He said, “Tell him to sit down, seek shade, speak, and complete his fast.”

For this reason, he forbade perpetual silence. Rather, what is prescribed is what the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.”

Speaking good is better than refraining from it, and refraining from evil speech is better than uttering it.

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The best course for the imam is to model his prayer on the prayer that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to lead his Companions in. Indeed, this is the prescribed practice that the imams enjoin