be possible to remove the dirt without some roughness; yet this produces such cleanliness and smoothness that we appreciate that rough treatment.
You know that we all cooperate in righteousness and piety, and that we must support one another more fully and firmly than before. Anyone who seeks to harm any of our companions or brothers because of what he may suppose to have been some harsh treatment—in Damascus, in Egypt just now, or otherwise—is mistaken. Likewise, anyone who thinks that the believers would withhold the cooperation and mutual support they have been commanded to give has entertained an evil suspicion. Indeed, supposition is no substitute for truth. Every member of the group, whether absent from us or having come to us now or earlier, holds a greater, more honourable and more exalted place in our esteem today than before.
You also know—may Allah be pleased with you—that even events less serious than this affair involve the exercise of individual judgment, differing inclinations, the varying circumstances of the faithful, and the inevitable promptings of Satan. It is inconceivable that humankind could be entirely free of such things.
Allah Most High has said:
“Yet man undertook it. Indeed, he has been most unjust and ignorant.”
“So that Allah may punish the hypocritical men and women and the men and women who associate others with Him, and turn in mercy to the believing men and women. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Indeed, I would go further than that—using the lesser to point to the greater