that one profess it verbally. They also agreed that the prescribed deeds are obligatory and that whoever neglects them deserves blame and punishment. Thus, their disagreement over whether deeds form part of faith, over qualifying one’s profession of faith, and over similar matters was largely a dispute over wording. For when faith is mentioned without qualification, it includes deeds, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Faith has sixty-odd branches—or seventy-odd branches—the highest of which is saying, ‘There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah,’ and the lowest is removing something harmful from the road. Modesty is a branch of faith.”

When deeds are conjoined to faith, as in His words:

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds,”

faith is then mentioned with its scope qualified by that conjunction. Here, it may be said that deeds are included in faith and are conjoined to it as the particular is conjoined to the general. Alternatively, it may be said that they are not included in it, but that this applies when they are conjoined. The same applies to the terms “the poor” and “the needy”: when either is mentioned alone, it encompasses the other; when they are conjoined, they denote two distinct categories, as in the verse concerning alms:

“Alms are only for the poor and the needy…”

And in the verse concerning expiation, He says:

“Its expiation is to feed ten needy people.”

He also says:

“But if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you.”

Here, “the poor” and “the needy” mean the same thing. This distinction concerning faith likewise applies to the terms righteousness, piety, and right conduct, and to sin, transgression, and wrongdoing. Their meanings differ depending on whether they occur separately or together, as is apparent to anyone who reflects on the Quran.

This has been discussed at great length in the treatment of faith and the commentary on the hadith of Gabriel, which explains that faith is rooted in the heart: namely, belief in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers, as in