verbal teaching. Our Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, combines verbal teaching with spiritual states, and the Quran with faith.

Next in rank is the extraordinary occurrence that supports and assists religion, for extraordinary occurrences belong to the sphere of “You alone we ask for help,” while religion belongs to the sphere of “You alone we worship.” An extraordinary occurrence that does not assist religion is either a worldly enjoyment or something that distances its possessor from Allah Most High.

It is thus clear that beneficial extraordinary occurrences are subordinate to religion and arise in its service, just as beneficial leadership is subordinate to religion, and likewise beneficial wealth. Such were authority and wealth in the hands of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and Abū Bakr and ʿUmar, may Allah be pleased with them both. Whoever makes these things his goal, subordinating religion to them and making it a means of attaining them, rather than seeking them for religion’s sake in the first place, resembles someone who uses religion to secure worldly gain. His condition is unlike that of someone who practices religion out of fear of punishment or hope for Paradise, for this is commanded, and such a person follows a path to salvation and a sound religious way.

What is astonishing is that many who claim that their aspirations have risen above practicing religion out of fear of the Fire or a desire for Paradise make the object of their religious devotion the slightest extraordinary worldly feat. They may even exert tremendous effort to attain it. This is a mistake. Some, however, seek through this to make their hearts steadfast and reassured, and to gain certainty that their path and spiritual journey are sound. Such a person seeks a sign as an indication and proof of the soundness of his religion, just as