And you know that in this affair Allah, glorified be He, has bestowed blessings that provide means for the triumph of His religion, the supremacy of His word, victory for His hosts, honour for His allies, strength for the adherents of the Sunnah and communal unity, and humiliation for the adherents of innovation and division. These blessings have consolidated what was already established among you of the Sunnah and brought further gains: opening doors of guidance, victory, and clear evidence; making the truth manifest to multitudes whose number none but Allah Most High can count; and drawing people towards the path of the Sunnah and communal unity. These and other blessings require profound gratitude and patient perseverance, even though it is perseverance in prosperity.

You also know that among the great principles that encompass the religion are bringing hearts together, uniting people, and setting relations right. Allah Most High says:

“So fear Allah and set things right between yourselves.”

And He says:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

And He says:

“And do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them. For them there is a tremendous punishment.”

There are many other texts like these that command unity and harmony and forbid division and discord. Those who uphold this principle are the people of unity, just as those who depart from it are the people of division.

The essence of the Sunnah is obedience to the Messenger. Thus the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in