say, “and His Messenger,” just as He said in the other verse:
“So when you have finished, strive in devotion,
and direct your longing to your Lord alone.”
[Surah al-Sharh: 7, 8]
The Quran contains numerous references to worshipping Him alone, calling upon Him alone, seeking His help alone, and fearing Him alone, such as His words:
“They fear no one except Allah.”
[Surah al-Ahzāb: 39]
And His words:
“So fear Me alone.”
[Surah al-Nahl: 51]
And:
“And be mindful of Me alone.”
[Surah al-Baqara: 175]
And His words:
“So do not fear them; fear Me, if you are believers.”
[Surah Āl Imrān: 175]
Likewise, He says:
“Do not invoke any other god alongside Allah, lest you be among those punished.”
[Surah al-Shuʿarā': 213]
And:
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him.”
[Surah al-Nisā': 36]
Love, however, is due to Allah and His Messenger, and both Allah and the Messenger are to be pleased, as He Most High says:
“dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger”
[Surah al-Tawba: 24]
And He says:
“Allah and His Messenger are more entitled to be pleased by them, if they are believers.”
[Surah al-Tawba: 62]
Thus, we are obliged to love the Messenger and seek to please him. Indeed, it is authentically established that he said:
“None of you believes until I am more beloved to him than his child, his father, and all people.” (1)
Likewise, obedience is due to Allah and the Messenger. Allah Most High says:
“Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah.”
[Surah al-Nisā': 80]
All acts of worship without exception—ritual prayer, prostration, circumambulation, supplication, and charity,