their Lord put their trust.”

And He said:

“Moses said to his people, ‘Seek Allah’s help and be patient. Indeed, the earth belongs to Allah; He grants it as an inheritance to whomever He wills of His servants. The final outcome is for those who fear Him.’”

Thus, patience and certainty—the two foundations of trust in Allah—bring about leadership in religion, as indicated by His words, Exalted is He:

“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command, when they remained patient and were certain of Our signs.”

Likewise, jihad brings about guidance encompassing every branch of knowledge, as indicated by His words, Exalted is He:

“As for those who strive for Our sake, We will surely guide them to Our paths.”

He thus promised those who strive for His sake guidance to all His paths. Hence the two imams, ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Mubārak and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and others said: “When people disagree over an issue, look to the position held by those stationed on the frontier, for the truth is with them.” For Allah says:

“As for those who strive for Our sake, We will surely guide them to Our paths.”

Jihad also embodies true detachment from the life of this world and from this worldly abode. It also embodies true sincerity, for the discussion here concerns those who strive in Allah’s cause, not for leadership, wealth, or partisan zeal. This applies only to those who fight so that religion may be wholly devoted to Allah and Allah’s word may be supreme.

The highest degree of sincerity is to surrender oneself and one’s wealth to the One worshipped, as He said: