[Section One:
Religion and faith are both word and deed]
• Among the fundamental principles of the Saved Sect are the following:
239. Religion (dīn) and faith (īmān) comprise speech and action:
– speech of the heart and the tongue;
– and action of the heart, the tongue, and the limbs.
- Faith increases through obedience and decreases through sin.
Ahl al-Sunnah do not declare the People of the Qiblah unbelievers because of mere sins or even major transgressions:
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Thus they do not excommunicate anyone who faces the Qiblah for committing sins or grave offenses, as the Khārijites do; rather, the bond of faith-based brotherhood endures despite disobedience.
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As He, exalted is He, says in the verse on legal retribution: “But whoever is pardoned by his brother in any respect…” (Q 2:178).
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And He, glorified be He, says: “If two groups of the believers fight, make peace between them. Then, if one of them aggresses against the other, fight the aggressor until it returns to Allah’s command. If it returns, reconcile them with justice and be equitable; truly Allah loves those who act equitably. The believers are but brothers.” (Q 49:9-10).