the heart alongside evidence that necessarily entails its absence. If, however, it is not evidence, it cannot be used to establish inward disbelief. Allah, glorified is He, explains in several places that faith is realized and confirmed through outward and inward deeds. For example, He says:
“The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord.”
“Those who establish prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them.”
“It is they who are truly believers.”
He also says:
“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then do not doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is they who are truthful.”
And He, the Most High, says:
“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and, when they are with him on a matter of common concern, do not leave until they have asked his permission.”
And He, the Most High, says:
“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge concerning their disputes, then find within themselves no unease over what you have decided and submit completely.”
If someone says, “This indicates that faith is absent when these things are absent; it does not indicate that they are part of faith,” the reply is: This is an acknowledgment that inward faith is absent when outward matters such as these are absent. Thus, one cannot claim that the heart can contain faith incompatible with disbelief without any outward manifestation, whether in speech or action. This is the point to be established—and that acknowledgment confirms it.
This is because, when what is in the heart is firmly established, it necessarily affects what is outward; the two cannot be separated. A firm resolve to act, together with full ability, necessarily brings about the action within one’s power. Thus, if love for Allah and His Messenger is firmly established in the heart, it necessarily entails loyalty to His allies