the great triumph.”

The Muslim must therefore strive toward this to the best of his ability. Whoever assumes a position of authority intending thereby to obey Allah, uphold as much of His religion as he can, and serve the interests of the Muslims, and fulfills whatever duties he can while avoiding whatever prohibitions he can, will not be held accountable for what lies beyond his ability. Appointing the righteous is better for the Muslim community than appointing the wicked.

Whoever is unable to uphold religion through authority and jihad, but does what he can through sincere concern in his heart, supplication for the Muslim community, love of goodness, and whatever good deeds he can perform, is not charged with what lies beyond his ability. Religion is sustained by the guiding Book and the supporting iron, as Allah Most High has mentioned. Everyone must therefore strive to bring the Quran and iron together for the sake of Allah Most High, seeking what is with Him and asking His help in doing so. Worldly affairs will then serve religion, as Muʿādh ibn Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“O son of Adam, you need your share of this world, but you need your share of the Hereafter even more. If you begin with your share of the Hereafter, your share of this world will follow and fall fully into place. But if you begin with your share of this world, you will miss your share of the Hereafter, while your worldly share remains uncertain.”

The evidence for this is what al-Tirmidhī narrated from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said:

“Whoever begins the day with the Hereafter as his greatest concern, Allah will set his affairs in order, place richness in his heart, and make this world come to him despite itself. But whoever begins the day with this world as his greatest concern, Allah will throw his affairs into disarray