he intercedes is by Allah’s permission. Neither our hope in the intercessor nor our fear of him benefits us. What benefits us is worshipping Allah alone, being sincere to Him, and placing our trust in Him, for He is the One who grants the intercessor permission. A Muslim must therefore distinguish his love and religion from those of the Christians and polytheists, follow the people of monotheism and faith, and cease resembling the polytheists and worshippers of crosses.

It is reported in the two Sahīh collections that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever possesses three qualities will taste the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than all else; that he loves a person solely for Allah’s sake; and that he hates to return to disbelief after Allah has saved him from it as much as he hates to be thrown into the Fire.”

“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 cherish are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His command. Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.’”

Allah Most High says:

“Whoever among you turns away from his religion—Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward the believers and firm toward the disbelievers, striving in Allah’s cause and fearing no one’s reproach. That is Allah’s bounty, which He grants to whom He wills. Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”

This is a vast subject. The religion of Islam is built upon this foundation, and the Quran revolves around it.