thus each of them has in his heart a mental representation of the Book and the Messenger corresponding to his knowledge. Although they share faith in Allah, His Book, and His Messenger, they differ in this regard and attain different degrees. The same applies to their faith in the Resurrection, Paradise, Hell, and other matters of the unseen, as well as to matters beyond direct perception that people relate to one another. Indeed, even when they witness events and hear sounds, they differ in what they see and hear. One person discerns aspects of what he witnesses that another does not. They may even disagree, with one affirming what another does not affirm. How much more so, then, regarding the unseen matters of which they have been informed!

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, informed them about the unseen in many hadiths, but not all of them heard these in detail. Nor did everyone who heard what he heard understand the Prophet’s intent. Rather, they differ in how much they have heard and understood, and their knowledge and faith vary accordingly. Thus, one may affirm many things that another does not affirm, especially someone whose heart has become entangled in the specious arguments of the deniers: he denies what the Book and the Sunnah affirm and what the people of truth uphold.

This makes clear to you that all these people believe in Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and the Last Day—although their faith varies in degree—except anyone who opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows a path other than that of the believers.

They also differ in knowledge and will. If one of them has greater love for Allah, remembers Him more, and worships Him more, his faith is stronger and more firmly rooted with respect to love and worship of Allah, even though another may possess knowledge of the divine names and attributes that he does not.