We have already said that not every path can be described as a “Sirat.” Sirat is a path that swallows the walker. The path is clear, distinguishable, and visible. The meaning of “Sabil Allah” (the path of God), which is used in the verses [of the Quran], is different from Sirat. One assumption is to say that “Sabil” is a side road that leads to a Sirat. One example of such a path could be prayer, and another example could be jihad. The nature of these secondary paths is that they lead those who are walking along them toward the main road. You can assume that a Sabil-Allah is a part of this path. There are thousands of paths in the wide expanse of this straight path. These paths do not overlap each other. All of them are in the middle of and along the straight path. Some of these paths may be superficial, while others may be more profound. One person might move along a path that entails deep, mystical worship acts, while another person’s mind may not have the same delicacy, loftiness, and complexity. Such a person may be simple and honest. This individual will also move on the path of Sabil Allah.
Imam Khamenei
May 1, 1991
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