and to know what he has been forbidden to do, and to develop a firm resolve to carry out what is commanded and a firm aversion that leads him to shun what is forbidden. Such detailed knowledge and resolve cannot conceivably be acquired by the servant all at once. Rather, at every moment he needs Allah to instil in his heart the knowledge and resolve by which he can follow that straight path.

Certainly, he has received general guidance: that the Quran is true, the Messenger is true, and the religion of Islam is true. This is indeed true, but such general guidance will not suffice unless he receives detailed guidance concerning every particular thing he does or leaves undone. These particulars bewilder most people’s minds, and whims and desires overpower their reason, so great is the hold that desires and doubts have over them.

Man was created deeply unjust and ignorant. His starting point is a lack of knowledge and an inclination toward the evil he desires. He therefore constantly needs detailed knowledge to dispel his ignorance, and justice in his love and hatred, pleasure and anger, action and abstention, giving and withholding, eating and drinking, sleeping and waking. In everything he says and does, he needs knowledge that counters his ignorance and justice that counters his wrongdoing. Unless Allah graciously grants him this detailed knowledge and justice in every particular, he will have enough ignorance and injustice within him to lead him away from the straight path.

Allah Most High said to His Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—after the Treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah and the Pledge of Divine Pleasure:

“Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory.”

Up to His words, Exalted is He: “and guide you to a path