commanded him, and refrains from what Allah forbade him. Whoever is not thus is not rational.'

When we reflected upon this report, contemplated it, and understood it, we inferred the rational man by what appears of his actions. We reflected on the saying of Allah, Exalted Glory, and found Him saying: «Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.»¹ Allah, Exalted Glory, said: «And enjoin prayer upon your family and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for righteousness.»² He, Exalted Glory, said: «Certainly will the believers have succeeded: They who are during their prayer humble.»³ He, Exalted Glory, said: «And mention in the Book, Ishmael. Indeed, he was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet. And he used to enjoin on his people prayer and Zakat and was to his Lord pleasing.»⁴ He, Exalted Glory, said: «And whatever the Messenger has given you—take; and what he has forbidden you—refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.»⁵ He, Exalted Glory, said: «He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah; but those who turn away—We have not sent you over them as a guardian.»⁶

The Messenger of Allah, Exalted Glory, commanded us to pray and he prayed. So whoever drops its obligation and does not pray has opposed Allah and His Messenger, and whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger is not rational. The Messenger of Allah, Exalted Glory, commanded us to give Zakat and he gave Zakat; he commanded us to fast and he fasted; he commanded us to perform Hajj for whoever is able to find a way to it and he performed Hajj; he commanded us to Jihad and he performed Jihad; and he commanded us to maintain the