dearer to you than your own self.” He said, “By the One who sent you with the truth, you are indeed dearer to me than my own self.” He replied, “Now, Umar.”

Allah Most High has said:

“The Prophet has a greater claim over the believers than they have over themselves.”

And Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your relatives, the wealth you have acquired, the trade whose decline you fear, and the homes you delight in are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.’”

If Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause are not dearer to a servant than his family and wealth of every kind, then he falls under this warning.

This affirmation of Allah’s oneness—His oneness in worship—entails doing what is commanded and refraining from what is forbidden. This includes patiently enduring what has been decreed, just as the former entails acknowledging that none creates, provides, gives, or withholds except Allah alone. It therefore requires that the servant ask no one but Him, rely on none but Him, and seek help from none but Him. As Allah Most High says concerning both kinds:

“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”

And He says:

“So worship Him and put your trust in Him.”