Thus, in this report, he did not adopt the view of those who say that Islam is verbal profession. Rather, he answered that Islam is distinct from faith, as indicated by the authentic hadith together with the Quran.

Hanbal said:

“Abū ‘Abd Allāh related to us the hadith of Burayda:

‘The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to teach them, when they went out to the graveyards, to say: “Peace be upon you, inhabitants of these dwellings, believers and Muslims. We shall, if Allah wills, join you.”’”

He then related the rest of the hadith.

He said:

“I heard Abū ‘Abd Allāh say: ‘This hadith provides evidence against those who say that faith is verbal profession. Whoever says, “I am a believer,” has contradicted his words, “believers and Muslims.” He thus distinguished the believer from the Muslim and refuted those who say, “I am a believer whose faith is complete.” His words, “We shall, if Allah wills, join you,” despite his knowing that he would die, support those who say, “I am a believer, if Allah wills,” adding this qualification here.’”

Abū al-Hārith said:

“I asked Abū ‘Abd Allāh about the Prophet’s words:

‘An adulterer is not a believer while committing adultery, nor is one who drinks wine a believer while drinking it.’

“He replied: ‘They have offered interpretations of this. ‘Atā’ said, “Faith withdraws from him.” Tāwūs said, “When he does that, faith departs from him.” It is reported that al-Hasan said, “If he turns back, faith returns to him.” It has also been said, “He passes from faith into Islam, but does not leave Islam.”’”

Sālih also transmitted this question and answer, for Sālih likewise transmits the questions put by Abū al-Hārith.

Sālih asked his father about this account, and he said concerning it:

“This is how it is narrated from Abū Ja‘far. He said:

‘An adulterer is not a believer while committing adultery.’

“He said: ‘He passes from faith into Islam, for faith is contained within Islam,