We willed, We would show them to you, and you would recognize them by their marks; but you will surely recognize them by the tone of their speech.” He thus states that they will inevitably be recognized by the tone of their speech.

As for the “second category” and the “third,” these concern actions that do not contradict the foundations of faith, such as sins arising from natural desires: unlawful sexual intercourse, theft, and drinking wine. As established in the authentic hadith collections, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Whoever dies testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah will enter Paradise, even if he committed unlawful sexual intercourse, stole, or drank wine.”

Likewise, in an authentic hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, testified in favor of a man who frequently drank wine and whom he would flog whenever he was brought before him. When a man cursed him, he said:

“Do not curse him, for he loves Allah and His Messenger.”

In another narration:

“One of them said, ‘May Allah disgrace him! How often he is brought in for drinking wine!’ The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘Do not help Satan against your brother.’”

This is reported in Sahīh al-Bukhārī, in a hadith narrated by Abū Hurayrah.

For this reason, he said:

“Allah has pardoned my community for the thoughts that pass through their minds, so long as they neither speak of them nor act upon them.”

This pardon for inward thoughts was granted only to Muhammad’s community who believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day. It is therefore clear that this pardon concerns matters that do not undermine faith. Whatever contradicts faith, however, is not covered by the wording of the hadith, because if it contradicts faith, the person harboring it is not among