that are false and baseless concerning Allah, His messengers, His religion, or His righteous servants. He may nevertheless display asceticism, devote himself to worship, and strive diligently in it; but the falsehood he has taken for truth, along with its offshoots, penetrates his inner being and leaves its mark there. It then shows on his face, which becomes overcast and dark in a manner that matches his state.

As one of the early generations said, “Even if an innovator were to smear himself with ointment every day, the darkness of innovation would still be visible on his face.”

All of this will become perfectly manifest on the Day of Resurrection. The Exalted says:

“On the Day of Resurrection you will see those who lied against Allah—their faces blackened. Is there not in Hell a dwelling for the arrogant?” (Az-Zumar 39:60) (60)

“Yet Allah will deliver those who were mindful of Him to their place of success; no evil shall touch them, nor shall they grieve.” (Az-Zumar 39:61)

He also says:

“On the Day when some faces are brightened and other faces are darkened—As for those whose faces are darkened: ‘Did you disbelieve after your belief? Then taste the punishment for your disbelief.’” (Āl ʿImrān 3:106) (106)

“But as for those whose faces are brightened, they will be in Allah’s mercy, therein abiding forever.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:107)