what would corrupt their religion, since they cannot be turned away from every vain pursuit to which human nature inclines.

The Sharia came to secure and perfect benefits, and to eliminate and reduce harms. It secures the greater of two benefits at the expense of the lesser, and averts the greater of two harms by tolerating the lesser. Thus, describing the harm being tolerated—for example, as a work of Satan—does not preclude something even dearer to Satan having occurred through it, while allowing them to engage in it may be lawful. This is a principle that deserves careful attention.

Satan whispers to the children of Adam concerning many permissible activities, such as relieving themselves, marital intercourse, and other things. He flows through the son of Adam as blood flows. It is therefore impossible to protect all the children of Adam from everything in which Satan has a share. Nevertheless, the Lawgiver commands that this be brought under control, as when He prescribed mentioning Allah’s name and seeking refuge in Him when relieving oneself, engaging in marital intercourse, and so forth. Even if a man did not do this, we would not say that he sins by relieving himself, having intercourse with his wife, or doing similar things.

Likewise, he mentioned the wedding and the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: “The Ansār have a fondness for love poetry. If only you had sent someone to sing: