10 – Al-Ḥārith reports, through Abū Muslim al-Khawlānī, who said: When Muʿādh settled in Ḥimṣ, a young man came to him and asked, “What is your opinion of a man who maintains family ties, is dutiful, always tells the truth, returns what is entrusted to him, keeps his stomach and his private parts pure, and does every good deed he can—yet he harbors doubt about Allah and His Messenger?” Muʿādh answered, “That doubt nullifies whatever righteous deeds accompany it.”

The youth then said, “What do you say about a man who plunges into sin, sheds blood, and deems people’s private parts and property lawful, yet he testifies sincerely that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger?” Muʿādh replied, “I have hope for him, but I also fear for him.”

The young man declared, “By Allah, if that doubt is what wiped out the good deeds done with it, then this testimony will not be harmed by whatever deeds are done alongside it.” He then left, whereupon Muʿādh remarked, “I do not claim that anyone understands the sunnah better than this man.”