a gradual progression as well. How much more so, then, when each of the two is a means and a path to achieving the intended aim, with the other attained along with it.

By His words, glorified be He,

“Perhaps he may take heed or be moved to fear,”

and His words,

“Perhaps they may fear Allah, or it may bring them a reminder,”

He sought to bring about either of these two outcomes through conveying the message. He used the expression “perhaps” to make the matter easier, to show gentleness, and to explain that attaining either one is a path to achieving the intended aim. Thus, both are not sought together at the outset. Hence the saying handed down:

“Part of the reward for a good deed is the good deed that follows it, and part of the punishment for an evil deed is the evil deed that follows it.”

This applies especially to foundational good deeds that entail all the others, such as truthfulness, for it is the foundation of goodness. Thus, in the two Sahīh collections, Ibn Masʿūd reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Hold fast to truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to speak the truth and strive to be truthful until he is recorded with Allah as one who is ever truthful. Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. A man continues to lie and deliberately pursue falsehood until he is recorded with Allah as a habitual liar.”

For this reason, He, glorified be He, said:

“Shall I tell you upon whom the devils descend? They descend upon every sinful liar.”

And He said:

“Woe to every sinful liar who hears Allah’s verses being recited to him, then persists arrogantly as though he had not heard them.”

For this reason, it is related that