And He, the Exalted, says:

'Allah is the Protector of those who believe; He brings them out of darkness into light' [al-Baqarah 2:257], and similar verses. Likewise, His words—Exalted is He—when speaking of the accusation of indecency and censuring the one who publicizes it (1) and the one who speaks without knowledge: 'Were it not for the grace of Allah upon you and His mercy, none of you would ever have been purified; but Allah purifies whom He wills' [al-Nūr 24:21]. He has made it clear that purification is attained only by abandoning indecency; hence He said: 'Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them' [al-Nūr 24:30].

Refraining from sins is an action of the soul (2): it believes (3) that sins are blameworthy, detests committing them, and strives against itself when they beckon—provided he affirms the Book of his Lord and believes in what came from His Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him (4). This affirmation (and faith) (5), together with aversion and self-struggle, are deeds performed by the purified soul, and through them the soul (6) is further refined. By contrast, when it commits sins it becomes defiled (7), sullied, and suppressed—like a crop overrun by weeds. And reward is only for