but their leader found it bitter, stopped drinking it, and forbade its being given to the others.

Some are overcome with pity because one of the two guilty of unlawful intercourse is dear to them: because they love that person’s appearance and beauty, whether through passionate infatuation or otherwise; because of kinship or affection; because that person has treated them kindly; because of some worldly benefit they hope to obtain from that person; or for some other reason. Or they are moved by the pain of punishment, which softens the heart.

Such a person interprets the following saying to support his position:

“Allah shows mercy only to those of His servants who are merciful.”

The fool also quotes:

“The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and He who is above the heavens will show you mercy.”

And he cites other such sayings. Yet the matter is not as he claims. Rather, this is putting something where it does not belong. Indeed, the following has been related in a hadith:

“No dayyūth (a man who tolerates sexual immorality in his family) will enter Paradise.”

Whoever does not hate indecent acts, detest them and those who commit them, and become angry upon seeing or hearing of them will not desire punishment for them. Thus, punishment for such acts continues to pain his heart. Allah Most High says:

“Do not let pity for them deter you from enforcing Allah’s law.”

And so the verse continues. Allah’s religion consists in obedience to Him and His Messenger, founded upon love for Him and His Messenger, and upon loving Allah and His Messenger more than anyone or anything else. Allah loves tenderness and mercy, provided they do not undermine His religion.

It is reported in the Sahīh collection that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Allah shows mercy only to those of His servants who are merciful.”

He also said:

“Allah does not show mercy to those who do not show mercy to people.”

And he said: