the unseen and the seen, You judge between Your servants concerning that over which they differ. Guide me, by Your permission, to the truth concerning which they differ. Indeed, You guide whom You will to a straight path.’”

Having said this, I ask Allah the Almighty, Lord of the mighty Throne, to guide us and you to the words and deeds He loves and is pleased with; to enable us to follow the guidance of His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, inwardly and outwardly; to unite us upon guidance; to bless our affairs with success; to make our hearts like those of the best among us; to protect us from Satan; and to grant us refuge from the evil within ourselves and from our evil deeds.

I have written this letter seeking what is right. I desire only to put things right as far as I can, and my success comes only from Allah. Even so, I do not fully know the reality of what has passed between you or the particulars of your circumstances. I have written only on the basis of what I understood from those who spoke to me. My foremost purpose is simply to reconcile you and bring your hearts together.

As for discussing “this issue” and others exhaustively, and clarifying the truth of the matter, I may speak or write about that at another time if I see a pressing need for it. At present, however, I consider restoring harmony among you to be the more urgent need.

Peace be upon you, and Allah’s mercy and blessings. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all worlds. May Allah bless our master Muhammad, his family, and his Companions, and grant them abundant peace. Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.