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As for his question, “What are the means by which faith grows stronger until it reaches perfection, and in what order should they be pursued? Should one begin with renunciation, knowledge, or worship, or combine them according to one’s ability?”

The answer is: One must have the obligatory measure of faith, worship, and renunciation. Beyond that, people differ in their levels of faith just as they differ in its branches. Each person should pursue what is within his reach and give priority to the more excellent deeds he is capable of undertaking.

People differ in this regard. Some find acquiring knowledge easier than renunciation; others find renunciation easier; and still others find worship easier than either. What is prescribed for each person is to do whatever good he can, as Allah Most High says:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”

When the branches of faith compete for his attention, he should give priority to what is more pleasing to Allah and what he is better able to perform. He may be more capable of performing a less excellent deed than a more excellent one, and may gain more from the former than from the latter. It is therefore better for him to pursue what benefits him more, since that is better in his particular case. He should not pursue what is better in absolute terms if it is beyond his ability or so difficult that it causes him to miss what is better and more beneficial for him.

An example is someone who recites the Quran at night, reflects upon it, and benefits from his recitation, whereas prayer is burdensome for him and he derives no benefit from performing it; or someone who benefits more from remembering Allah than from reciting the Quran.