the Fire,’ while another narration adds, ‘he will enter Paradise.’ (1) Thus, admission to Paradise is assured for anyone who utters it with sincerity, even if that comes only after a long interval and after the speaker has tasted some punishment. A person who holds the correct belief embodied in this phrase may be chastised for the sins and transgressions he has committed, but his final end will still be entry into Paradise.

By contrast, the one who pronounces this blessed testimony with his tongue while faith has yet to enter his heart gains nothing in the Hereafter. In this world it might spare him from being fought or killed when the Muslims have power and authority, yet in the next life it will avail him nothing—unless he utters it while, first, understanding its meaning and, second, affirming that meaning inwardly. Mere understanding is not enough; it must be joined to faith in what has been understood.

This, I fear, is a point most people overlook: understanding does not of itself entail belief. Both must come together before a person can truly be called a believer. Many among the People of the Book, both Jews and Christians, knew that Muhammad ﷺ was a truthful Messenger in his claim to prophethood and revelation; nevertheless, despite that knowledge—which our Lord Himself confirmed when He said, “They recognize him just as they recognize their own sons” (Al-Baqarah 2:146)—