—whether that abstention is outward, manifested by the limbs, or inward, residing in the heart—for worship may be expressed by the tongue, by the heart, and by the limbs.

It is performed by the tongue through acts such as tasbīḥ (saying “Subḥān Allāh”), dhikr (remembrance), tahleel (uttering “lā ilāha illā Allāh”), and pronouncing the two testimonies of faith. Every legislated utterance of the tongue that involves the remembrance of Allah is an act of worship.

It is also performed by the heart, for everything that draws one closer to Allah is worship: fear, hope, awe, longing, dread, reliance, turning penitently, and seeking His help. All these are actions of the heart—fleeing to Allah inwardly, revering Him, fearing Him, yearning for Him, directing one’s desires toward Him, loving Him, being sincere to Him, and holding a truthful intention for His sake. Every one of these inner states is worship.

Likewise, worship may be carried out by the limbs: bowing, prostration, striving in Allah’s cause, fighting with one’s own self, and emigrating for His sake—all of these are bodily acts of worship. Fasting, too, is a bodily act of worship that becomes visible on the limbs.

Accordingly, worship is carried out by the tongue, the heart, and the limbs. Thereafter it divides into bodily worship and financial worship.