“We certainly sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and sent down with them the Book and the balance so that people may uphold justice. And We sent down iron, in which there is great might and benefits for people.”

If military rulers are unable and remiss in correcting those who follow the spiritual path, responsibility for correcting them falls upon their leaders. They may impose whatever discretionary punishment and discipline they are able to administer, if no one else undertakes it. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart. That is the weakest level of faith.”

An offender’s discretionary punishment may include banishment from his homeland for a time, just as Umar ibn al-Khattāb—may Allah be pleased with him—used to banish people for drinking wine. Likewise, Nasr ibn Hajjāj was banished to Basra for fear that women would be tempted by him. The Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, established banishment for unlawful sexual intercourse and the banishment of effeminate men. This is the basis for some shaykhs instructing an offender to travel.

This is a summary that requires lengthy elaboration explaining sins, repentance from them, and the conditions of repentance. Repentance is a state that accompanies the servant from the outset until the end of his life, as Allah Most High says:

“When Allah’s help and victory come, and you see people entering Allah’s religion in multitudes”—to the end of the verse.

If the servant repents and gives some of his wealth in charity to purify himself of his sin, that is good and prescribed. Allah Most High says:

“Do they not know that Allah is the One who accepts repentance