a person is either one who strives to reach the right judgment and succeeds, one who strives but errs, or one who sins.

The first is rewarded and deserves appreciation. The second, besides being rewarded for his effort, is pardoned and forgiven. As for the third, may Allah forgive us, him and all the believers.

Let us therefore put an end to any talk contrary to this principle, such as saying: “So-and-so fell short; so-and-so did nothing; so-and-so caused the shaykh to suffer harm; so-and-so was the cause of this affair; so-and-so was talking about plotting against so-and-so,” and similar remarks that disparage some of our companions and brothers. I will not excuse anyone who harms them in this way. There is neither might nor power except through Allah. Rather, such talk brings blame upon the speaker himself, unless he has some good deed to his credit and is among those whom Allah forgives, if He wills. Allah has pardoned what is past.

You also know that any severity or harshness shown towards some of our companions and brothers—whether what used to occur in Damascus or what has now occurred in Egypt—neither diminishes nor detracts from the standing of the person concerned. Nor has it caused any change in our feelings towards him or any hatred. Rather, after being treated with such severity and harshness, he is held in higher esteem, enjoys greater recognition, and is more beloved and more honoured. These matters serve the believers’ welfare: through them Allah sets some believers right by means of others. For one believer is to another like two hands, each washing the other. And it may not