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As for his question, “Is there a cause for faith’s initial emergence?” undoubtedly, it arises through a cause: listening to the Quran; observing believers and reflecting on their lives; learning about the Prophet’s life and miracles—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and reflecting on them; contemplating the signs of Allah Most High; reflecting on one’s own circumstances; or experiencing the pressing needs that Allah brings upon a servant, compelling him to humble himself before Allah, surrender to Him, and seek refuge in Him.

One cause may bring about one aspect of faith, while another brings about another. Indeed, everything that occurs in the world must have a cause. The causes of faith and its branches sometimes come from the servant himself and sometimes from someone else. For example, Allah may provide someone with a person who calls him to faith, enjoins good upon him, forbids him from evil, and explains to him the signs, arguments, and proofs of the religion. There are also events that befall him, upon which he reflects and from which he takes admonition, along with other causes.