is intended to convey universality, is that the word “every” may replace the definite article. Thus, if one were to say, “Every human being is in loss,” the meaning would be the same. The noble verse means that Allah swore an oath concerning the human condition: that he is in loss—that is, suffering loss and deficiency in every circumstance, both in this world and in the Hereafter—except those whom Allah—Glorious and Exalted is He—has excluded.

This sentence is reinforced by three forms of emphasis: first, the oath; second, the particle inna; and third, the emphatic lām. He says, “is surely in loss,” rather than, “is surely a loser,” for greater emphasis. This is because the preposition “in” expresses containment, as though the human being were immersed in loss and surrounded by it on every side.

“Except those who believe, do righteous deeds, urge one another to the truth, and urge one another to patience.” Allah—Glorified and Exalted is He—excepted those characterized by these four qualities:

The first quality is faith, untainted by doubt or hesitation, in what the Messenger—may Allah bless him and his family and grant them peace—explained when Gabriel asked him about faith. He replied: “It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and the divine decree, both its good and its evil.” (1) A full explanation of this hadith would be lengthy, and we have discussed it in many places. (2) Those who believe in these six foundations are the believers, but their faith must be free of doubt and hesitation. In other words, you must believe in these matters as though you could see them with your own eyes. In this regard, people fall into three categories:

The first category is the person of pure faith—a faith containing neither doubt nor hesitation.

The second category is the disbeliever who repudiates and denies.