but exact equivalence in every respect is either impossible or cannot be known. In such cases, what is required is whatever most closely resembles justice and comes nearest to it. This is the best course.

Allah, Glorified be He, says:

“Give full measure and weight with justice. We do not burden any soul beyond its capacity.”

[Sūrah al-An‘ām 152]

Accordingly, truth as it exists—that which is established, as opposed to what is negated—and truth as an intended aim—that which is commanded and loved, as opposed to what is forbidden and hated—fall into three categories.

In the case of truth as an intended aim, a matter may be one in which the benefit that is loved predominates; this is commanded.

Or it may be a matter in which the harm that is disliked predominates; this is forbidden.

Or it may be a matter in which the two are equal; this is neither commanded nor forbidden. Neither love nor hatred predominates in it; rather, it is left unregulated, as is anything below this—if such a thing exists. For people disagree about whether it exists: some say that it does, while others say that it is merely conceived in