Principle
Faith possesses both an outer and an inner dimension. Its outer dimension is the tongue’s declaration and the limbs’ deeds; its inner dimension is the heart’s affirmation, submission, and love.
An outward form devoid of an inward reality is of no avail, even though it may spare blood and protect property and offspring. Nor is an inward reality sufficient without an outward form—except when outward expression is impossible because of incapacity, coercion, or fear of destruction.
The absence of visible deeds when no impediment exists proves that the inner state is corrupt and empty of faith; their shortcoming points to its shortcoming, and their strength points to its strength.
Faith is the heart and essence of Islam, and certainty is the heart and essence of faith. Every branch of knowledge or act that fails to increase faith and certainty in strength is defective, and every faith that does not impel to action is likewise defective.
Principle
Reliance upon Allah is of two kinds:
- Reliance on Him for securing a servant’s worldly needs and interests, or for warding off worldly hardships and misfortunes.
- Reliance on Him for attaining what He Himself loves and approves—faith, certainty, jihad, and calling people to Him.
The superiority of the second kind over the first is beyond reckoning except by Allah. Whenever a servant places his trust in Allah regarding the second kind with true reliance, Allah will suffice him in the first kind with complete sufficiency. And if he relies