take it only by turning a blind eye to it and by adulterating it with motes of objection (1). Such an attitude is incompatible with faith; rather, it must be received with acceptance, contentment, and an open heart.

Whenever a servant wishes to know his own standing in this regard (2), let him examine his state and scrutinize his heart (3) when a ruling reaches him that clashes with his desire and purpose, or contradicts what he has blindly imitated from his forebears—whether in great matters or small. “No indeed! Man is a witness against himself, even though he present his excuses” (75:14-15) (4).

Glory be to Allah! How many festering sores lie in the hearts (5) of many people because of numerous texts, and how they would have preferred that those texts had never appeared! How much burning (6) they feel in their breasts on their account! How many a choking thorn lodges in their throats when they encounter them! Those hidden secrets will be exposed to them in a way that will grieve and disgrace them on the Day when secrets are laid bare.

Nor did He—exalted be He (7)—stop there; He added: “and they submit with full submission” (4:65). He mentioned the verb and then reinforced it (8) with its emphatic cognate noun,