And this second category is comparable to kingship and sovereignty: their holder may be a caliph and prophet, and thus the best person on earth; he may be a tyrant, among the worst of people; or he may be a just king, among those of middling rank. For knowledge of created affairs and the ability to influence them through one’s spiritual state and heart are comparable to knowledge of their conditions and influence over them through kingship and its means. The power of spiritual state and heart is like the power of kingship and physical force, except that the means of the former are inward and spiritual, while those of the latter are outward and bodily.

This makes it clear to you that the first category, provided it is sound, is superior to this category and better in the sight of Allah, His Messenger, and His righteous, believing servants of sound understanding.

This is so for several reasons:

First, knowledge of religion—both what it requires and what it reports—can be attained only through the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Knowledge of created affairs, however, can be acquired through many means. What is exclusive to the Messengers and their heirs is superior to what they share with the rest of humanity. Only they and their followers can attain this knowledge, and only they and their followers possess it.

Second, only righteous believers put religion into practice: they are the people of Paradise, Allah’s beloved, His chosen ones, those dear to Him, and His allies. And only they enjoin it.