A summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah:
The inevitability of the people of truth being tested to examine their steadfastness.
Allah Almighty says:
“Do men imagine that they will be left (at ease) because they say, We believe, and will not be tested with affliction?” (29:2)
And He Almighty says:
“Or deemed ye that ye would enter paradise while yet Allah knoweth not those of you who really strive, nor knoweth those (of you) who are steadfast?” (3:142)
Therefore, callers to Islam and those striving in Allah's cause must realize the reality of this divine universal law,
and not be taken by surprise by it.
For the path of advocacy and struggle is fraught with trials, temptations, and compromises.
Whoever seeks personal safety and prioritizes it over the integrity of their religion will never reach the goal.
Seeking self-preservation and making it the primary objective is a flawed principle;
rather, the correct approach is to seek the integrity of the principle and hold firmly to it.
If one's life is preserved thereafter, that is indeed a blessing,
and if it is lost in the cause of Allah, that is the greatest blessing of all.
Hence, one must beware of confusing the sound methodology with the methodology of mere self-preservation.