Belief and Worship

 

 

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

 

And from Him do we seek help. Praise be to God, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad,1 his Family,2 and his Companions.

 

Introduction

 

Fellow Muslims. You asked for advice, so listen to a few truths contained in the following allegories. Since you are soldiers, I will express them in military terms.

 

1 In any publication dealing with Prophet Muhammad, his name or title is followed by “upon him be peace and blessings,” to show our respect for him and because it is a religious requirement to do so. For his Companions and other illustrious Muslims of the past: “May God be pleased with him (or her)” is used. However, as this might be distracting to non-Muslim readers, these phrases do not appear in this book, on the understanding that they are assumed and that no disrespect is intended. (Ed.)

2 The Prophet’s Family: The Prophet, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn. These people are known as the Ahl al-Bayt, the Family (or People) of the House. The Prophet’s wives are not included in this designation. (Tr.)