, so through Me he hears, through Me he sees, through Me he strikes, and through Me he walks. If he asks Me, I will surely give him, and if he seeks My protection, I will surely protect him. I have never hesitated over anything I am to do as I hesitate over taking the soul of My believing servant: he dislikes death, and I dislike distressing him, yet he must undergo it.”

It is well known that some prayers are obligatory—namely, the five daily prayers—while others are voluntary, such as the night prayer. Likewise, some fasting is obligatory, namely fasting the month of Ramadan, while some is voluntary, such as fasting three days each month. Similarly, travelling to the Sacred Mosque is obligatory, while travelling to the other two mosques—the Mosque of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the mosque in Jerusalem—is recommended.

Likewise, some charity is obligatory and some is recommended, the latter being what is given from one’s surplus, as Allah Most High says:

“They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever is beyond your needs.’”

An authentic hadith reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“O son of Adam, spending your surplus is better for you, while withholding it is worse for you. You are not to blame for retaining what suffices for your needs. The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin with those you support.”

The distinction between what is obligatory and what is recommended belongs elsewhere. Our concern here is the distinction between what is prescribed, whether obligatory or recommended, and what is not prescribed. What is prescribed is that by which one draws near to Allah Most High, and it is Allah’s path