Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

354 The oath of allegiance to 'Ali, his characteristics & his way oflife
religion that the scholar does not give the impression that sin is not
very serious, as this might lead people to become audacious. He
should preserve the level of faith and piety that people already have,
while at the same time trying to raise them towards perfection.
Another aspect of proper understanding of Islam is trying to
strengthen the connection between the Muslims and the Book of
AUah. Thus 'Ali explains the importance of the noble Qur'zn, giving
it absolute precedence and ultimate priority above all other things.
This is an explanation of the way in which we should deal with the
Qur'an; we should not give precedence to any other book out of lack
of interest in it, because it is the primary source of guidance. It is well
known tbat the Sunnah of the Prophet is a detailed explanation of the
noble Qur'an, so telling people to consult the Qur'an is like telling
them to consult the Sunnah. Then he explains that one of the most
important conditions of Islamically acceptable worship is that it
should stem from knowledge of the Qur'an and Sunnah, and that
knowledge cannot be beneficial unless it is accompanied by sound
understanding.
He concludes his beneficial advice by explaining the
importance of pondering the meanings of the Book of Allah while
reading it, because all goodness is in understanding the aims of the
Qur'an in order to act upon its rulings and to focus completely on
Allah (&) with one's heart, mind, soul and physical faculties when
reading His Book. We should do all tbat we can in order to
understand what Allah (B) meant and to follow His commands,
heed His prohibitions and rid ourselves of all obstacles that come
between us and the Book of Allah. We should be completely devoted
and sincere to Allah (s). We should try to seek the message of Allah
and His Messenger (g) and the religion of truth, even if that leads to
losing our family, wealth, children and worldly possessions, because
that which is with Allah (&) is better and more lasting. We should