belief in Him is the basis of every utterance of faith and religion. Every movement in existence proceeds from love, whether praiseworthy or blameworthy, as we have explained at length in one of our major treatises, “The Principle of Love.” All deeds of faith and religion proceed only from praiseworthy love, whose foundation is love for Allah, glorified and exalted is He. A deed arising from love that Allah condemns cannot be righteous. Indeed, all deeds of faith and religion proceed only from love for Allah.
Allah Most High accepts only deeds done seeking His Face, as is established in an authentic report from the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, who said:
“Allah Most High says: ‘I have no need of any partners. Whoever performs a deed in which he associates another with Me, I disavow it, and it belongs entirely to the one he associated with Me.’”
Also established in an authentic report is the hadith of:
“The three who will be the first with whom the Fire is kindled: the Quran reciter who acts for show, the fighter who acts for show, and the giver of charity who acts for show.”
Rather, sincere devotion to Allah alone is the religion besides which Allah accepts no other. It is the religion with which He sent the messengers, from the first to the last, which He revealed in all the scriptures, and upon which the leading scholars of the people of faith agree. This is the essence of the prophetic call and the axis around which the Quran revolves.
Allah Most High says:
“The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Almighty, the All-Wise.”
“Indeed, We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so worship Allah with sincere devotion to Him alone.”
“Surely, sincere devotion is due to Allah alone.”
This theme pervades the surah, occupying most of it. For example, He says:
“Say: ‘I have been commanded to worship Allah with sincere devotion to Him alone.’”
“‘And I have been commanded to be the first of those who submit to Him.’”
And onward to His words: