sets out to pray, seek knowledge, or engage in jihad, and is then tested by something of that kind toward which he is inclined—his patience in resisting it entails both doing what is commanded and refraining from what is forbidden. This is unlike the case in which his soul inclines toward it without his being engaged in a righteous deed.

For this reason, Yūnus ibn ʿUbayd would offer three counsels, saying:

“Do not visit a ruler, even if you say, ‘I will enjoin him to obey Allah.’ Do not visit a woman, even if you say, ‘I will teach her the Book of Allah.’ And do not lend your ear to a proponent of religious innovation, even if you say, ‘I will refute him.’”

His advice, then, was to guard against “the causes of temptation,” for when a person exposes himself to them, he may succumb and fail to remain safe. If he happens to be tested in this way without choosing it, or enters into it by choice and is then tested, he must fear Allah, exercise patience, be sincere, and strive. His patience in this and his remaining safe from temptation while fulfilling his duty are among the best deeds. Examples include someone who assumes authority and exercises it justly; someone who refutes proponents of religious innovation with the pure Sunnah without being led astray by them; or someone who teaches women their religion in the prescribed manner, without temptation.

Yet when Allah tests a servant and decrees a trial for him, He helps him; whereas when the servant exposes himself to a trial, Allah leaves him to his own devices. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to ʿAbd al-Rahmān ibn Samura:

“Do not ask for authority, for if you are given it at your request, you will be left to bear it unaided; but if you are given it without asking, you will be helped in carrying it out.”

Likewise,