women, leads to the ruin of lineage and the confusion of paternity, and brings harm to the woman herself, to her family, to her husband, and to everyone connected to her. In short, it is fraught with innumerable evils.

• Allah has also commanded that measures, weights, and all business dealings be rendered in full justice—without any shortchanging, diminution, deception, or concealment. Implicit in this is the obligation to be truthful and sincere in every transaction, for by such conduct both one’s religious and worldly affairs are set aright. Hence His words: “That is better and yields the fairest outcome” (17:35)—that is, it is better in the present and produces the most favorable consequence in the Hereafter, safeguarding the servant from liability and bringing blessing to the transaction.

• Concerning His statement: “And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge” (17:36), it means: do not follow anything about which you lack knowledge; rather, verify every word you utter and every deed you perform. Careful verification in all matters is a sign of sound judgment and robust intellect. Through it, matters become clear, and one can then determine whether advancing or holding back is preferable, for the person who verifies must exercise thought and consult others regarding the issues that warrant deliberation.

Reflection and consultation are among the greatest means of arriving at what is correct, escaping liability, and avoiding the regret that stems from haste and from being unable to repair what has already slipped away (1). For that reason He said: “Indeed, the hearing, the sight, and the heart—each of these will be questioned” (17:36), meaning that you will certainly be asked about the movements of these faculties: were they employed in what draws one nearer to Allah, bringing benefit, or were they directed toward disobedience, causing harm?