and his words, “with snow, ice, and cold water,” are a metaphor drawn from things of that nature, for sins themselves are not literally washed away with snow (1).

People say: “Let us taste the coolness of Your pardon and the sweetness of Your forgiveness.”

When Abū Qatādah paid the debt of a deceased debtor, the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “Now his skin has cooled.” (2)

They also say: “the coolness of certainty and the heat of doubt.”

Likewise, about a matter (3) they say, “It cools the breast,” when it is a truth the heart recognizes and rejoices in until it feels like the chill of snow (people say: “this cools the breast”) (4).

The sickness of the soul arises either from a dubious misconception or from passion (5)—whether lust or anger—and all three produce heat.

When someone attains his aim people say, “His heart has cooled,” and of one who fails to obtain it they say, “There is nothing here to cool his heart.” (6)

For the seeker is fired by the intense (movement) (7) of pursuit; once he finds what he was seeking, he settles down and feels at peace.