He—exalted and sublime—never breaks His promise, for His truthfulness is perfect and His power complete. Breaking a promise can arise only from deceit on the part of the promiser or from inability to fulfil it; yet Allah, glorified be He, is the most truthful of all who speak and the most capable of all who possess power. Thus He promised His Prophet when He said, “It may be that your Lord will raise you to a Praiseworthy Station” (17:79). He is true to His word and fully able to carry it out.

As for the formula: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. I am content with Allah as Lord, with Islam as religion, and with Muhammad as prophet and messenger,” it should be recited when the mu’adhdhin says, “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” If you hear him and are present, say those words.

The closing hadith of the chapter urges supplication between the adhan and the iqamah and states that prayers offered during that interval are most likely to be answered. Seize this opportunity—perhaps Allah will respond to you. Allah is the One who grants success.