they stand at opposite extremes, like the Jews and Christians.

As for the believers, they believe what is true in these matters, not what is false. Allah’s Book and His Messenger’s Sunnah contain guidance and light, and explain the straight path: the path of those whom Allah has blessed—the prophets, the steadfastly truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.

As for affirming what is true in these matters, this includes what Allah’s prophets and His allies experience—the God-fearing, both those who are foremost and those who follow a middle course—and what any believer may experience, such as their love for Allah Most High and His love for them, their being pleased with Him and His being pleased with them. Allah Most High has said:

“Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward the believers and firm toward the disbelievers, striving in Allah’s cause and fearing no blame from anyone.”

And He, Most High, has said:

“Among people are those who take others besides Allah as equals, loving them as they love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in their love for Allah.”

And He, Most High, has said:

“Spend in Allah’s cause, and do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands. And do good; indeed, Allah loves those who do good.”

And He, Most High, has said:

“Yes, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allah—indeed, Allah loves the God-fearing.”

And He, Most High, has said:

“So long as they remain true to you, remain true to them. Indeed, Allah loves the God-fearing.”

And He has said:

“Fulfil your treaty with them until its term has ended. Indeed, Allah loves the God-fearing.”

And He has said:

“Then approach them from where Allah has commanded you. Indeed, Allah loves those who repeatedly repent and loves those who purify themselves.”

And He has said:

“In it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves.”

And He has said:

“Then reconcile the two with justice, and act equitably. Indeed, Allah loves those who act equitably.”

And He has said:

“Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in ranks, as though they were a solidly joined structure.”

And He has said:

“Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.’”

And He has said:

“Say, ‘If your fathers and your sons’”