every expression that admits an exception must either specify a number or have general scope, and general expressions convey apparent meanings, not unequivocal ones.

Sixth: His statement, “It may not be altered on the basis of an uncertain possibility.” We accept this principle, for, in our view, the exception’s application to all the clauses is not an uncertain possibility. Rather, it too constitutes explicit wording in the first sense mentioned above.

The evidence for this is its prevalence in actual usage. Allah Most High says:

“And those who do not invoke another god besides Allah”—up to His words—“And whoever does that will meet a penalty. His punishment will be multiplied on the Day of Resurrection, and he will remain therein in humiliation—except those who repent.”

The exception applies to His words “will meet,” “will multiply,” and “will remain.”

He, Glorified be He, also says:

“Those are cursed by Allah and by those who curse—except those who repent, reform, and make the truth clear.”

Allah Most High says:

“Their recompense is that upon them is the curse of Allah, the angels, and all mankind. They will remain therein forever; their punishment will not be lightened, nor will they be reprieved—except those who repent thereafter and reform. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

Allah Most High also says:

“The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land is only that they be killed or crucified”—up to His words—“That is a disgrace for them in this world, and in the Hereafter they will have a tremendous punishment—except those who repent before you gain power over them.”

Here, then, is an exception following several clauses. For in this discussion, a “clause” means an expression from whose scope some instances can validly be excluded: a general noun or a numeral. It does not mean a sentence in the sense of an utterance