believers in their mutual love and compassion is that of a body: when one part suffers, the rest of the body responds with fever and sleeplessness.” He—peace be upon him—also said:

“Do not sever ties with one another or turn your backs on one another. Be brothers, O servants of Allah.”

The distinction between love for Allah’s sake and love for other motives is further illustrated by Abū Bakr—may Allah be pleased with him—who loved the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—with sincere devotion to Allah. His uncle Abū Tālib, however, loved and supported him out of personal inclination, not for Allah’s sake. Allah therefore accepted Abū Bakr’s deeds and revealed concerning him:

“But the most God-fearing will be kept away from it—he who gives his wealth to purify himself, not to repay anyone for a favor done to him, but seeking the Face of his Lord, the Most High. And he will surely be pleased.”

As for Abū Tālib, Allah did not accept his deeds. Abū Bakr sought neither recompense nor reward from any created being—not from the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—nor from anyone else. Rather, he believed in him, loved him, protected him, and supported him with his person and his wealth, seeking thereby to draw near to Allah and seeking reward from Allah. His Messenger conveys Allah’s commands and prohibitions, His promise and His warning. Allah Most High says:

“Your duty is only to convey the message, and Ours is to call to account.”

Allah alone creates and provides, gives and withholds, lowers and raises, grants honor and brings humiliation. He—glory be to Him—is the One who brings all causes into being, the Lord and Sovereign of everything. Among the means that people employ are those Allah has commanded or permitted; these may be pursued. Others He has prohibited outright, or they are religious innovations for which Allah has given no permission; these must not be pursued. Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘Call upon those whom you claim