The only criterion upon which the Muslims' lives rest is the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). Until they die, they meticulously comply with Allah's commands, fear only Allah, ask help only from Him, and never feel fear, panic, or despair. They do not fear the blame of any person. When faced with unexpected events, they always conduct themselves in compliance with the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas). They display the same moral excellence in times of hardship and trouble, just as they do when granted blessings and abundance, for they are aware that only Allah grants more blessings or restricts them for a divine purpose, and that Allah sends difficulties to make people more mature.
However, people who neglect the Qur'an and fail to embrace Islam base their entire lives upon earning people's consent. Their philosophy of life, principles, and viewpoints contradict the Qur'an. Failing to adhere to the Qur'an and the Sunna of our Prophet (saas) as a guide, they formulate rituals, customs, and forms of worship that do not agree with Islamic morality.
As Prophet Shu'ayb (as) told his people, rather than observing Allah's commands, such people adhere to all forms of unjust beliefs and rules as if they were divine judgments: "You have made Him (Allah) into something to cast disdainfully behind your backs!"(Surah Hud: 92). Even if they see the truth in the Qur'an, they cannot abandon their unjust beliefs. Their understanding of what is lawful and unlawful varies according to their distorted rationale and thoughts, their society's value judgments, and what they inherit from their predecessors. They respect people's opinions rather than the Qur'an's judgments.
The worldview of such people is stated in the Qur'an as follows: "We found our fathers following a religion, and we are simply following in their footsteps"(Surat az-Zukhruf: 23).
The Qur'an, the immutable Word of Allah, conveys the only way to salvation both in this world and the next. Meanwhile, the moral excellence displayed by our Prophet (saas) sets an example for believers.