its proof is doubtful to someone, he is entitled to doubt it until the truth becomes clear to him; otherwise, let him remain silent about what he does not know.

Once this is clear, likewise, someone seeking Him directs himself towards Him in that direction. Were we hypothetically to do this, we would, on that supposition, be seeking Him. Yet seeking Him by turning in that direction is impossible for us, because a complete, firm intention necessarily entails pursuing its object to the extent possible.

For this reason, elsewhere, when discussing the disagreement over whether a person is punished for an intention unaccompanied by action, we explained that a firm resolve necessarily entails doing whatever one can to accomplish what one intends. Whenever someone fails to do what is within his power, his resolve is not firm; rather, it is merely an inclination. Whoever inclines towards an evil deed but does not commit it has no sin recorded against him. If he abandons it for Allah’s sake, a good deed is recorded for him.

This explains the distinction between the inclination of Joseph, peace be upon him, and that of the wife of al-‘Azīz. As Imam Ahmad said:

“There are two kinds of inclination: a passing thought and a persistent resolve.”

Joseph, peace be upon him, had an inclination which he abandoned for Allah’s sake, and he was rewarded for this. She, however, had a persistent resolve and did whatever she could to accomplish her desire, even though she did not obtain what she sought.

Those who held that a person is punished for his intention cited the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“When two Muslims confront one another with their swords, both the killer and the one killed are in the Fire.”

They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, we understand this concerning the killer, but what of the one killed?”

He replied, “He intended to kill his companion.”

In another narration: “He was eager to kill his companion.”

This man had a firm resolve and did whatever he could, even though he did not achieve his aim. His case is therefore like that of the wife of al-‘Azīz. Whenever an intention is firm, the person necessarily does whatever he can to accomplish his aim. Thus, if he can achieve his aim by a direct route, then it is impossible, with an intention