and follows it.

Allah Most High says:

“We have enjoined those who were given the Scripture before you, and you yourselves, to fear Allah.”

When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sent Mu‘ādh to Yemen, he advised him, saying: “O Mu‘ādh, fear Allah wherever you are, follow a bad deed with a good deed—it will erase it—and treat people with good character.”

Mu‘ādh, may Allah be pleased with him, held a lofty position with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. He said to him: “O Mu‘ādh, by Allah, I love you,” and would have him ride behind him.

It is related concerning him that “he is the most knowledgeable of this community about what is lawful and unlawful, and that he will be gathered one step ahead of the scholars.” Among his distinctions was that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sent him to the people of Yemen to convey his teachings, preach, teach religious understanding, issue legal opinions, and serve as a judge. He would liken him to Abraham, Allah’s close friend, peace be upon him; and Abraham is a leader for mankind.

Ibn Mas‘ūd, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say: “Mu‘ādh was a model to be followed, devoutly obedient to Allah, upright in faith, and was not one of the polytheists,” likening him to Abraham.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, gave him this counsel, which shows that it is comprehensive. Indeed, it is so for anyone who understands it; moreover, it explains the Quranic counsel.

Its comprehensiveness becomes clear from the fact that the servant owes two duties: