both inwardly and outwardly, for anyone who knows the wisdom that makes them good and permissible.

This does not apply to the four categories: associating partners with Allah, speaking about Allah without knowledge, immoral deeds—whether committed openly or secretly—and injustice. These contain no benefit whatsoever. Taking a life is permitted in some circumstances but not others, so it does not fall within these four categories. Likewise, destroying property is permitted in some circumstances but not others, as is enduring hunger.

For this reason, Allah says:

“Say, ‘My Lord has commanded justice. Direct your faces toward Him at every place of worship, and call upon Him, devoting your religion sincerely to Him.’”

Devoting one’s religion sincerely to Him and acting justly are therefore obligatory without qualification, in every circumstance and under every revealed law. The servant must worship Allah and call upon Him with sincere devotion to Him alone. This obligation is never waived under any circumstances. None will enter Paradise except those who worship Allah alone—those who affirm, “There is no god worthy of worship except Allah.”

This is Allah’s right over every one of His servants, as recorded in the two Sahīh collections in the hadith of Mu‘ādh:

“The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to me, ‘O Mu‘ādh, do you know what Allah’s right over His servants is?’ I replied, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ He said, ‘His right over them is that they worship Him without associating anything with Him.’”

The hadith continues. Thus, none will escape Allah’s punishment except those who devote their religion and worship sincerely to Allah and call upon Him