“Whoever calls others to guidance will have a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him, without diminishing their rewards in the least.”

Allah has indeed answered the prayers for the Sultan, placing within him goodness to which the hearts of the community bear witness, and thereby favouring him over others. We ask Allah to help him, for none of Allah’s creation is more in need of His help and support than he. Allah Most High says:

“Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession on earth, just as He granted it to those before them; that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has approved for them; and that He will surely replace their fear with security. They worship Me, associating nothing with Me”—to the end of the verse.

The soundness of the Sultan’s affairs depends on exclusive adherence to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger and Prophet, and on requiring the people to do likewise. For Allah, glorified is He, has made the soundness of those granted authority depend on four things: establishing prayer, giving zakah, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong.

If he establishes prayer at its appointed times in congregation—together with his entourage and those under his authority—commands all his subjects to do likewise, and punishes anyone negligent in this with the punishment Allah has prescribed, then this foundation will have been fully established.

Moreover, he is utterly dependent on Allah Most High. If he communes privately with his Lord before dawn, seeks His help, and says, “O Ever-Living, O Sustainer of all, there is none worthy of worship but You; by Your mercy I seek help,” Allah will grant him strength and authority to an extent known only to Allah. Allah Most High says:

“If they had done what they were instructed to do, it would have been better for them and a firmer