On that view, then, the innate disposition would make no distinction between recognition and denial, being made a Jew or a Christian, and Islam; these differences would depend solely on their causes. It should therefore have been said: “His parents then make him a Muslim, a Jew or a Christian.” Yet he stated that the parents make their child a disbeliever, mentioning the false religions but not Islam. It is thus clear that Islam differs from disbelief with regard to the presence of a specific cause.

He then said:

In short, whatever is equally receptive to what merits praise and what merits blame deserves neither praise nor blame. Yet Allah Most High says:

“So set your face towards the religion, inclining to truth—the innate disposition upon which Allah created mankind.”

Furthermore, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, compared this innate disposition to an animal born physically intact, and the disbelief that subsequently affects it to cutting off its nose. Clearly, its wholeness is praiseworthy and its mutilation blameworthy. How, then, could it have been neither praiseworthy nor blameworthy before being mutilated? And Allah knows best.