Section

Among the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah is that religion and faith consist of affirmation and action: affirmation of the heart and tongue, and action of the heart, tongue, and limbs. Faith increases through obedience and decreases through disobedience. Nevertheless, they do not declare those who pray toward the qiblah to be disbelievers merely for committing sins, including major sins, as the Khawārij do.

Rather, the brotherhood of faith remains despite sins, as Allah, glorified and exalted be He, says in the verse concerning legal retribution:

“But if someone is granted any pardon by his brother, then the claim should be pursued fairly.”

And He says:

“If two groups of believers fight, make peace between them. But if one of them transgresses against the other, fight the transgressing group until it returns to Allah’s command. If it returns, make peace between them with justice and act equitably. Indeed, Allah loves those who act equitably.”

“The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your two brothers.”

They do not entirely strip a sinful Muslim of the designation of believer, nor do they hold that he will remain in the Fire forever, as the Muʿtazilah maintain. Rather, a sinful Muslim is included under the designation of believer in passages such as the saying of Allah, exalted be He:

“Then a believing slave must be freed.”

Yet he may not be included under the unqualified designation of believer, as in the saying of Allah, exalted be He:

“The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them.”

And the saying of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: