and hatred in proportion to his wickedness. Merely committing sins and acts of disobedience does not remove him from faith altogether, contrary to what the Khawārij and Mu‘tazilah maintain. Nor are the prophets, the steadfastly truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous to be placed on the same footing as the wicked with respect to faith, religion, love, hatred, allegiance, and enmity. Allah Most High said:

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

“The believers are but brothers.”

Thus, He declared them brothers despite their fighting and aggression. Allah Most High also said:

“Or should We treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like those who spread corruption on earth? Or should We treat the righteous like the wicked?”

Allah Most High also said:

“Do not let pity for them keep you from carrying out Allah’s prescribed punishment, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day.”

This discussion, then, concerns categories of people.

As for a particular individual, the evil in him may be mentioned in certain circumstances. Among these is that a person who has been wronged may mention his wrongdoer’s faults—either to ward off his wrongdoing and obtain his due, as when Hind said: “O Messenger of Allah, Abū Sufyān is a miserly man, and he does not give me enough maintenance for myself and my children.” The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to her: “Take what is sufficient for you and your children, according to what is reasonable.”

Likewise, he, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “A debtor’s delay in payment when he has the means makes it lawful to censure and punish him.” Wakī‘ said: “Censuring him means complaining about him, and punishing him means imprisoning him.” Allah Most High said:

“Allah does not like evil to be voiced openly