while he is a believer; nor does he seize valuable plunder as people look on at him, while he is a believer.”

The foundation of faith remains with him. He may return to sin, yet he is a believer when he departs this world. As reported in the Sahih from ‘Umar, a man nicknamed Himār (Donkey) used to drink wine. Whenever he was brought before the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—the Prophet ordered that he be flogged. A man said, “May Allah curse him! How often he is brought before the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace!” The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said, “Do not curse him, for he loves Allah and His Messenger.” Thus, he testified that the man loved Allah and His Messenger and forbade cursing him. This accords with the other authentic hadith mentioned earlier: “Even if he commits adultery and steals.”

That is because he retains the fundamental belief that Allah has forbidden this, together with fear of Allah’s punishment, hope in Allah’s mercy, and faith that Allah forgives sins and holds people accountable for them. On account of this, Allah forgives him.

As reported in the Sahih from Abū Hurayrah, from the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace: