and He also says, “And in your own creation and in the creatures He scatters there are signs for a people who are certain” (Q 45:4). Therefore, whenever Satan casts doubt into your heart, turn to the signs of Allah. Look at this universe—who governs it? Observe how conditions change, how Allah alternates the days among people—so that you may realize that this cosmos has a Wise Disposer, exalted be He.

Shirk (associating partners with Allah): purge your heart of it. How do I cleanse my heart of shirk? I do so by telling myself: People can neither benefit me if I disobey Allah nor save me from His punishment, and if I obey Allah they cannot bring reward to me. It is Allah alone who bestows reward and averts punishment. If that is the reality, why would you associate anyone with Allah? Why would you intend, through your acts of worship, to draw near to created beings?

Accordingly, whoever seeks closeness to people by means that should be used to seek closeness to Allah, Allah distances Himself from him and the people likewise distance themselves from him. In fact, his attempt to approach people with what ought to bring him near to Allah only increases his estrangement from Allah and from the people. For when Allah is pleased with you, He causes the people to be pleased with you; and when He is displeased with you, He makes them displeased with you. We seek refuge with Allah from His wrath and His punishment.

The crux of the matter, my brother, is this: constantly treat the heart; keep it under continual cleansing until it is purified. Allah says, “Those are the ones whom Allah does not wish to purify their hearts” (Q 5:41). Purifying the heart is therefore of utmost importance. I ask Allah to purify my heart and yours, and to make us sincere to Him and followers of His Messenger.