principles that were laid down on the basis of certain men’s opinions and their personal efforts at reasoning, even though they were not qualified for ijtihād—principles that only keep you from following the truth. Nor should you blindly imitate any human being, no matter how high his rank, preferring his word to the word of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ once it has reached you.

Realise that only in this way—and in no other—will you embody, both in knowledge and in practice, the principle expressed in the slogans: “There is no god but Allah—a comprehensive way of life,” and, “Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone.” Without this, it is impossible for us to produce the “unique Qur’anic generation,” which alone can establish “the Muslim society with its distinctive features,” and, in turn, the long-awaited Muslim state. This confirms the sound wisdom voiced by one of the great Islamic preachers, may Allah have mercy on him: “Establish the state of Islam in your hearts, and it will stand for you upon your land.” May that day be near.

“O you who believe, respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah intervenes between a person and his heart, and that to Him you will be gathered” (Q. 8:24).

And peace, and the mercy and blessings of Allah, be upon you.