and his loss of resolve, his abandonment of jihad, and his assistance to the enemy as far more grievous than the same conduct in others. They likewise regard a scholar’s openly committing sins and religious innovations as far more grievous than such conduct in others. This is unlike a soldier’s wickedness, injustice, and indecency, or a scholar’s refraining from physical participation in jihad.

The same applies to those in authority, each according to his office, whether governor or judge. For any of them to neglect the community’s interests entrusted to his care, or to act contrary to those interests by wronging its members, is regarded as far graver than a sin confined to his own person.