involve pursuing two opposites because of the desired benefits in each, although the two opposites cannot both exist. If the evidence establishes a preponderant probability, its implication is accepted accordingly. When such evidence conflicts, the stronger is given precedence, while evidence of equal strength is treated equally.

With this established, we say that the Prophet’s statement (peace and blessings be upon him), “Allah is beautiful and loves beauty,” is like the supplication he taught someone: “O Allah, You are pardoning and love to pardon, so pardon me”; and like the Most High’s statement:

“Indeed, Allah loves those who constantly repent and loves those who purify themselves.”
[Surah al-Baqarah 222]

And: “Allah is pure and loves cleanliness.”

His love of pardon, glorified be He, does not preclude there being, in certain instances of pardon, an overriding consideration that outweighs His love of pardon in that instance. Otherwise, He would have to pardon every forbidden act, punishing neither a polytheist nor an evildoer, whether in this world or the Hereafter. This is contrary to what actually occurs. It would also follow that pardoning every disbeliever and evildoer should be recommended for us, so that we would punish no one for anything. This contradicts what we have been commanded to do, as well as what is conducive to our welfare and benefits us in this world and the Hereafter.

Likewise, His love for those who purify themselves and His love of cleanliness do not preclude an overriding consideration, such as when water is needed to quench thirst. His love of giving water to the thirsty then outweighs His love of purification and cleanliness.