exaltation upon the earth or corruption.” Earlier, Allah Most High said:

“Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and divided its people into factions, oppressing a group among them, slaughtering their sons and keeping their women alive. Indeed, he was one of those who cause corruption.”

Allah Most High also says:

“For that reason, We decreed for the Children of Israel that whoever kills a person, unless in retaliation for a life or for corruption in the land, it is as though he has killed all mankind.”

The first-mentioned killing of a person is itself a form of corruption. However, in cases of killing, the right belongs to the victim’s next of kin, whereas in cases of apostasy, waging war, and unlawful sexual intercourse, the right belongs to the public at large. This is why it is called a right belonging to Allah, and why the latter cannot be pardoned as the former can: the corruption it causes affects everyone. Allah Most High says:

“The recompense of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive to spread corruption in the land is that they be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides”—to the end of the verse.

It has been said that this verse was revealed concerning the men of ʿUraynah who apostatized, killed, and seized property. It has also been said that it was revealed concerning people under a treaty who broke their treaty and waged war. Another view is that it concerned the polytheists. Thus, He has linked corruption with apostates who wage war, treaty-breakers who wage war, and polytheists who wage war. The majority of the early and later scholars hold that it also covers highway robbers among the Muslims. The verse encompasses all these groups. Thus, whoever among them repents before being apprehended has Allah Most High’s right waived in his case.

Likewise, He has coupled “righteousness and reform with faith” in many passages, as in His words:

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds.”

“Whoever believes and sets things right—there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.”

It is well known that faith is the finest form of reform and the finest righteous deed, as stated in the authentic hadith:

“He was asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah, which deed is best?’ He replied, ‘Faith in Allah.’”

Allah Most High also says:

“And indeed, I am Most Forgiving to whoever repents, believes, and does