by his Lord that his people had worshipped the calf, he did not throw down the tablets. But when he saw that they had worshipped it, he threw them down. This was not because Moses doubted Allah’s report. Rather, even when someone is certain that the person informing him is truthful, he may not picture what he has been told as he would upon seeing it for himself. Indeed, his heart may be too occupied to picture it, even though he believes it. Clearly, seeing it for himself gives him a conception of what was reported that he did not have when merely told about it. Thus, this affirmation is more complete than the former affirmation.

Fifth: actions of the heart—such as love for Allah and His Messenger, fear of Allah Most High, hope in Him, and the like—are all part of faith, as established by the Quran, the Sunnah, and the agreement of the early generations. People differ enormously in these respects.

Sixth: outward actions, together with inward actions, are also part of faith, and people differ in them.

Seventh: someone who remembers in his heart what Allah has commanded him and keeps it present in mind, rather than being heedless of it, is more complete than someone who affirms it but is heedless of it. Heedlessness is incompatible with complete knowledge, while affirmation, remembrance, and keeping things present in mind perfect knowledge and certainty. This is why ʿUmayr ibn Habīb, one of the Companions, said:

“When we remember Allah, praise Him, and glorify Him, our faith increases; when we become heedless, forget, and neglect our duties, it decreases.”

That is indeed so. Muʿādh ibn Jabal used to say to his companions:

“Sit with us for a while, that we may grow in faith.”

Allah Most High says:

“And do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his own desires.”

And He says:

“And remind, for the reminder benefits the believers.”

And He says:

“He who fears Allah will heed the reminder, but the most wretched will avoid it.”

Then, whenever a person recalls what he previously knew and acts upon it,