who denounce him by offering them some position or money, whereupon they become his supporters. At best, they cease denouncing him.

Likewise, you see them denouncing those who drink wine, commit fornication, and listen to musical entertainment, until the offenders draw one of these critics into joining them or appease him with a share of those pleasures. You then see him become their supporter.

Through their denunciation, these people may end up in a worse state than they were in before, or in one less serious than that, or comparable to it.

Others take a stand out of genuine religious devotion, acting sincerely for Allah and seeking to put things right through their deeds. They remain steadfast in this, patiently enduring whatever harm they suffer. These are the ones who believe and do righteous deeds. They belong to the best community brought forth for mankind: they enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah.