The Four Integrals of Religion – Sahl ibn Abd Allah
May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon the Messenger Muhammad, his companions, folk, and followers
Sahl ibn Abd Allah al-Tustari said that, “The integrals of religion are four:
1. Being true (sidq)
2. Certitude (yaqin)
3. Contentment (rida) and
4. Love
The sign of being true is patience (sabr). The sign of certitude is sincere concern (nasiha). The sign of contentment is leaving dispute (khilaf). The sign of love is preferring (ithar). [Related by Abu Nu`aym in Hilyat al-Awliya’, 10.191-192, and Ibn al-Athir is al-Mukhtar min Manaqib al-Akhyar, 3.58]
Sahl also said, “The integrals of religion are sincere concern (nasiha), mercy (rahma), being true (sidq), fairness (insaf), graciousness (tafaddul), closely following the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), and seeking Allah’s assistance in all this until death.” [Abu Nu`aym, Hilya]
And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani
