entail anything but a diminution of faith.

As for bodily action, it is governed by one’s capacity. Whenever the heart’s resolve and aversion are complete and the servant’s outward deeds match them to the extent of his ability, he is granted the reward of one who has performed the act to perfection, as we have clarified elsewhere. Yet some people love, hate, will, and shun according to what their own souls love and hate, not according to what Allah and His Messenger love and hate; this falls under the heading of caprice. Whoever yields to it is simply following his whim:

“Who is more astray than one who follows his own desire without guidance from Allah?” ⦗28:50⦘.

The root of caprice is self-love, and self-loathing follows in its wake. The mere presence of love and hate within the soul is not blameworthy, for a person may not be able to eradicate it; blame attaches only to acting upon it. Allah the Exalted said:

“O David, We have made you a vicegerent on earth; therefore judge between people with truth and do not follow desire, lest it lead you away from the path of Allah.” ⦗38:26⦘.

He also said: “Who is more astray than one who follows his own desire without guidance from Allah?” ⦗28:50⦘.

The Prophet ﷺ stated: “Three things bring salvation: fearing Allah in private and in public; moderation in poverty and in wealth; and speaking the word of truth in anger and in contentment. And three things lead to destruction: greed that is obeyed, passion that is followed, and a person’s admiration of himself.”

Love and hate are accompanied by a savor when the beloved or detested object is present, by a feeling of ecstasy, by resolve, and the like. Whoever pursues any of this without a command from Allah and His Messenger is among those who follow their own caprice.