a sin against him, for he had done good and had committed no evil.

Allah Most High says:

“So that you may bring people out of darkness into light.”

He also says:

“Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He brings them out of darkness into light. As for those who disbelieve, their allies are the powers of evil, who bring them out of light into darkness.”

And He says:

“O you who believe, fear Allah and believe in His Messenger. He will grant you a double share of His mercy and give you a light by which to walk.”

For this reason, Allah sets forth “two likenesses” of faith: one involving water, which gives life, and the froth that accompanies it; and another involving fire, which gives light, and the dross that accompanies what is heated in it. Likewise, Allah sets forth “two likenesses” of hypocrisy. Allah Most High says:

“He sends down water from the sky, and valleys flow according to their capacity. The torrent carries swelling froth, and a similar froth rises from what people heat in the fire to make ornaments or useful goods. Thus Allah illustrates truth and falsehood. As for the froth, it is cast away, while what benefits people remains on the earth. Thus Allah sets forth likenesses.”

Allah Most High says of the hypocrites:

“Their likeness is that of someone who kindled a fire. When it lit up everything around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness, unable to see.”

“Deaf, dumb and blind, they will not return.”

“Or like a rainstorm from the sky, bringing darkness, thunder and lightning. They put their fingers in their ears against the thunderclaps, fearing death. But Allah encompasses the disbelievers.”

“The lightning almost snatches away their sight. Whenever it lights the way for them, they walk in it; but when darkness falls over them, they stand still. Had Allah willed, He could have taken away their hearing and their sight. Indeed, Allah has power over all things.”