Al-Imām Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751 AH) said: “Mankind’s need for the Sharīʿah far surpasses their need to breathe, much less their need for food and drink. This is because the greatest detriment that could befall them from leaving those things [food and drink] is their physical death and thus the casting out of their souls. Whereas, were they to lose their connection to the sharīʿah, it would stipulate corruption of their very hearts and souls, and [thus] eternal ruin.

Their physical death greatly differs [from this type of ruin]. For mankind has no greater need than to know what the Messenger (ﷺ) brought [to this Ummah], and to act in light of it, and to call towards it, and to have patience with regards to it, and to strive against those who leave it so that they may return to it. The world itself will be devoid of any kind of tranquility until this occurs, for there is no other path to happiness, the greatest of achievements, except by traversing this path.”¹

Endnotes:

1. Source: Miftāḥ Dār al-Saʿādah 2:318-319.

Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī