differs from that of the other and is narrower than its meaning when used alone. Moreover, a general term may be followed by mention of one of its particular kinds, singling it out for special attention. It has been said that this particular kind is then mentioned both under the general designation and under its own specific designation.

With this understood, the term “wrongdoing” encompasses everything Allah dislikes and forbids: everything He hates. The term “what is right” encompasses everything Allah loves, is pleased with, and commands. Thus, when mentioned separately, “what is right” encompasses everything loved in religion, and “wrongdoing” everything disliked.

When wrongdoing is mentioned alongside indecency, however, indecency is rooted in love and desire, whereas “wrongdoing” is what hearts reject. It might therefore be thought that the attraction involved in indecency excludes it from wrongdoing: although hearts reject it, souls desire it. It may be said that “wrongdoing” encompasses indecency. It may also be said that indecency is singled out because the desire involved in it provides such a powerful incentive. Or it may be said that “wrongdoing” here means what is rejected without qualification, while indecency is mentioned because it is desired and loved.

Likewise, “transgression” is mentioned alongside it because it is further removed from what souls love. This is why the punishment of one who commits it is of a more severe kind than the punishment of one who commits indecency. Transgression arises from the faculty of anger, just as indecency arises from the faculty of desire, and every soul takes pleasure in attaining what it seeks. Thus, indecent acts and transgression are mentioned alongside wrongdoing. As for associating partners with Allah and speaking about Allah without knowledge, these constitute wrongdoing