—in us, nor any deficiency (1); rather, after the firmness and sternness with which he was treated, his rank has only risen, his reputation has become brighter, and he is dearer and greater in our eyes.

Indeed, such matters are among the collective interests of the believers through which Allah sets some of them right by means of others. A believer to his fellow believer is like two hands, each washing the other (2); at times the dirt will not come off except with a bit of scrubbing, yet that very abrasion produces a cleanliness and smoothness for which the earlier roughness is praised (3).

You also know that we are all cooperating in righteousness and piety, and that it is more incumbent upon us than ever to support one another with greater resolve. So whoever sets out to harm any of the companions or brothers because of what he imagines to be some harshness shown to him in Damascus, in Cairo ⦗94⦘ at this very hour, or elsewhere, is simply mistaken.

Likewise, whoever thinks that the believers will abandon (4) the duty they have been commanded of mutual cooperation and support has entertained an evil thought, and conjecture avails nothing against the truth. Not one person from the group—whether absent from us, arriving at this very moment, or who came earlier—except that his standing with us today is greater, more honorable, and loftier than it ever was.

And you know—may Allah be pleased with you—that in all matters short of this overarching issue there will inevitably be differing judgments, divergent inclinations, and the varying circumstances of the people of faith; such variation is unavoidable.