religion is more important, and the jurists have discussed this point.

Whenever rulers attend to setting people’s religious affairs right, both rulers and subjects prosper in their religious and worldly affairs; otherwise, their affairs fall into disorder. The foundation of all this is sincere concern for the subjects, complete sincerity in devotion to Allah, and reliance upon Him.

Sincerity and reliance upon Allah together encompass what sets right the affairs of both the elite and the general populace, just as He commanded us to say in our prayers:

“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”

It has been said that these two statements encompass the meanings of the Books revealed from heaven. It has also been reported:

“Once, during one of his military expeditions, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: ‘O Master of the Day of Judgment, You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.’ Then heads began falling from shoulders.”

Allah has mentioned this in several places in His Book, as in His words:

“So worship Him and rely upon Him.”

And His words, Exalted is He:

“Upon Him I rely, and to Him I turn.”

“When the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, slaughtered his sacrificial animal, he would say: ‘O Allah, this is from You and for You.’”

Three things provide the greatest assistance to those in authority in particular, and to everyone else in general:

First: sincerity towards Allah and reliance upon Him through supplication and other means. The foundation of this is diligently observing the prayers with both heart and body.

Second: doing good to people by benefiting them and giving wealth in zakah.

Third: patiently enduring the harm people cause and other adversities.

This is why Allah frequently joins prayer and patience together, as in His words, Exalted is He:

“And seek help through patience and prayer.”

And His words, Exalted is He:

“And establish prayer at the two ends of