for every living being must have a will; it is impossible for a living being to have no will. As for the desire that Allah and His Messenger love and enjoin, whether as an obligation or a recommendation: if it is obligatory, only a disbeliever, a defiantly disobedient person, or a sinner abandons it; if it is recommended, whoever abandons it has forsaken what is better for him. Allah Most High has described the prophets and those of utmost truthfulness as possessing this “desire.” He Most High said:

“Do not drive away those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face.”

He Most High said:

“He owes no one a favor to be repaid, but seeks only the Face of his Lord, the Most High.”

He Most High said:

“We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We desire neither reward nor thanks from you.”

He Most High said:

“But if you desire Allah and His Messenger and the Hereafter, then Allah has prepared a tremendous reward for those of you who do good.”

He Most High said:

“Whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he should, while being a believer—such people will have their striving appreciated.”

He Most High said:

“So worship Allah, devoting your religion sincerely to Him. Indeed, sincere devotion belongs to Allah alone.”

He Most High said:

“Say: It is Allah I worship, devoting my religion sincerely to Him.”

He Most High said:

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him.”

He Most High said:

“I did not create jinn and humankind except to worship Me.”

There can be no worship without desiring Allah and what He has commanded. He Most High said:

“Indeed, whoever submits his face to Allah while doing good…”

That is, he directs his intention sincerely to Allah. He Most High said:

“They were commanded only to worship Allah, devoting their religion sincerely to Him.”

And devoting one’s religion sincerely to Him