he should act at once. Prayer, almsgiving, fasting, ḥajj, honoring one’s parents, keeping family ties, and every other righteous pursuit are all matters that demand promptness. A person never knows what lies ahead; he may hesitate and then find himself unable to carry the deed out—whether because of death, illness, a missed chance, or some other obstacle. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When any of you intends to perform ḥajj, let him hasten to do so, for he may fall ill, his mount may go astray, or some need may arise.” Something unforeseen could prevent him from acting, so hurry to what is good and do not delay.

The author then cites the words of Allah: “So vie with one another in good works.” To “vie” (fa-stabiqū) means to get ahead of others; it is more emphatic than merely “race toward good works.” It implies striving to be among the very first to do good. A practical illustration is found in the rows of congregational prayer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “The best rows for men are the first, and the worst are the last; the best rows for women are the last, and the worst are the first.” On another occasion he noticed some people lingering at the back of the mosque who had not moved forward and remarked, “People will go on holding back until Allah holds them back.” So seize the opportunity