and the term “faith” may encompass both categories or be restricted to one of them, as explained above. As has been said, “Most disagreement among rational people arises from the terms they use.”

Section

As for the question, “Is the quality of faith a light that Allah casts into a servant’s heart, so that when it enters his heart, the servant recognizes truth and falsehood?” the answer is:

Allah Most High has said:

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The likeness of His light is that of a niche containing a lamp.”

Ubayy ibn Ka‘b and others said, “The likeness of His light in the believer’s heart.” The passage continues up to His words:

“And whoever Allah does not grant light has no light.”

He Most High also says:

“Is one who was dead, then We gave him life and granted him a light by which to walk among people, like one who is in darkness?”

Thus, Allah called the faith He bestows upon His servant a light. The revelation sent down from heaven, through which faith is attained, is likewise called:

“A light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants.”

He Most High also says:

“So those who believe in him, honor him, support him, and follow the light sent down with him.”

There are other passages of this kind. Undoubtedly, the believer distinguishes truth from falsehood; indeed, he discerns the greatest truths. Yet it cannot be said that everyone who possesses faith can, merely through the faith he has been given, distinguish every truth from every falsehood.