Once this principle is established, a person’s position regarding these two obligations must fall into one of four categories, which exhaust all the possibilities: fulfilling both, worshipping alone, seeking help alone, or abandoning both. People therefore fall into these four categories. Indeed, adherents of religions fall into these categories, and it is they who are the subject of this discussion.

One group is predominantly concerned with devotion to Allah, observing His commands and prohibitions, sincere devotion to Allah Most High, and following the Sharia through submission to His commands, His prohibitions, and His words governing creation. Yet such a person is deficient in seeking Allah’s help and putting his trust in Him. He is therefore either powerless or negligent, and is overcome by either his inward enemy or his outward enemy. He may often become distraught over what befalls him and grieve over what he misses. This is the condition of many who know Allah’s law and command and believe that they are following the Sharia and worshipping as it prescribes, yet do not understand His decree and predestination. Such a person is well-intentioned and seeks the truth, but does not know the way that leads to it or the path by which it is reached.

Another group is predominantly concerned with seeking Allah’s help, putting their trust in Him, displaying their poverty and need before Him, and submitting to His decree, His predestination, and His words governing creation. Yet such a person is deficient in worship and in devoting his religion sincerely to Allah, so his aim is not