assigned a different meaning, namely, the fulfilment of obligatory duties.

As for Ahl al-Sunnah, some may say that its meaning has been transferred, as with terms of revealed law such as prayer and zakat. Others may say that it retains its original meaning, to which revealed law has added further elements.

Others say that it retains its original meaning of assent while also including deeds, for deeds themselves form part of assent: a believer confirms his words through his deeds. As al-Hasan al-Basrī said, “Faith is neither wishful thinking nor outward adornment; rather, it is what takes firm root in the heart and is confirmed by deeds.” Another example is the Prophet’s saying, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“The private parts confirm that or belie it.”

Others say that faith, linguistically, does not mean assent but acknowledgment; in revealed law it likewise means acknowledgment, and acknowledgment encompasses both speech and action. This is not the place to elaborate on this, as I have discussed it at length elsewhere.

Once what faith encompasses is understood, then when deserving Paradise, salvation from the Fire, censure of those who abandon some part of faith, and similar matters are mentioned, what is meant is obligatory faith. Such is His saying:

“The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger, then do not doubt, and strive with their wealth and their lives in Allah’s cause. It is they who are truthful.”

And His saying:

“The believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them”—and the rest of the verse.

And His saying:

“The believers are only those who believe in Allah