in which case evacuation is needed. The second involves, for example, excessive heat or cold beyond the proper balance, and requires treatment.

Section

Likewise, “illness of the heart” is a kind of corruption that impairs its perception and its will. Its perception is impaired by the doubts that arise within it, until it no longer sees the truth, or sees it as other than it really is. Its will is impaired such that it hates beneficial truth and loves harmful falsehood. This is why illness is sometimes explained as doubt and uncertainty, as when Mujāhid and Qatādah explained His words:

“In their hearts is disease”

as meaning doubt. At other times, it is explained as the desire for illicit intercourse, as in the explanation of His words:

“Lest he in whose heart is disease should covet.”

For this reason, al-Kharā’itī composed The Book of the Ailments of Hearts—that is, their illness—by which he meant their affliction with lust.

A sick person is hurt by things that do not hurt a healthy person. Even slight heat, cold, exertion, and similar things harm him, because the weakness caused by his illness leaves him unable to withstand them. Illness generally weakens the sick person, diminishing his strength so that he cannot bear what can be borne by