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In the name of Allaah, the Most-Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

Know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that it is obligatory upon you to have knowledge of four matters:

(i) Knowledge (al-`Ilm), which is knowledge and awareness of Allaah, and His Prophet,

(ii) Action upon that.

(iii) Calling to that.

(iv) Patiently persevering and bearing any harm encountered upon that way.

The proof is the saying of Allaah, the Most High: “By time, mankind is in loss, except for those who truly believe and worship Allaah Alone, and do righteous deeds, performing that which is obligatory upon them and avoiding that which they are forbidden, and enjoin one another with patient perseverance upon obedience to Allaah and in facing harm and trials.” [Soorah al-`Asr]

Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allaah, the Most High, have mercy upon him, said: “If Allaah had sent down to His creation no other proof besides this Soorah, it would have been sufficient for them.”

Al-Bukhaaree, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “Knowledge precedes speech and action and the proof for that is the saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Know that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and ask forgiveness of your Lord for your sins.” [Soorah Muhammad: 19]. So He began by mentioning knowledge before speech or action.”

[Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Islaam, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-`Uthaymeen hafidhahullaah]