the paternal uncle is regarded as the counterpart of the father, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once said to ʿUmar, “Do you not know that a man’s paternal uncle is the counterpart of his father?” He meant that they share the same origin and lineage. The Arabic word ṣinw originally refers to two date-palms that spring from a single root and stand side by side.
The phrase “one God alone” is meant as an emphatic reinforcement, as is their declaration, “and to Him we submit.” A person should leave this very counsel with anyone who is about to travel and should likewise impress it upon his own family and keep checking on them regarding it, for it is the foundation of everything. Without sincerity there is no religion, no act of worship, and no true following; everything rests on sincere devotion to Allah.
- Abu Sulayman Mālik ibn al-Huwayrith (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: We came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) as young men of similar age and stayed with him for twenty nights. The Messenger of Allah was compassionate and gentle. Realizing that we had begun to long for our families, he asked us about them, and when we told him he said: “Return to your families, stay among them, teach them, and instruct them. Perform such-and-such a prayer at such-and-such a time, and perform such-and-such a prayer at such-and-such a time…”