upon misguidance; rather, the well-being of their religion and worldly affairs lies in their unity and in their holding firmly, all together, to the rope of Allah. These qualities encompass the foundations of religion.

They are explained in the hadith narrated by Muslim from Tamīm al-Dārī, who said that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Religion is sincerity. Religion is sincerity. Religion is sincerity.”

They asked, “Toward whom, O Messenger of Allah?”

He replied, “Toward Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and the Muslims at large.”

Sincerity toward Allah, His Book, and His Messenger falls within the right owed to Allah and the worship of Him alone, without any partner. Sincerity toward the leaders of the Muslims and the Muslims at large consists in offering sincere counsel to those in authority and adhering to the Muslim community. Adhering to their community expresses sincerity toward them collectively. As for sincere counsel directed to each one individually, some of it is possible, but extending it comprehensively to every individual is impracticable.