For he does not purify himself until he takes heed of what he hears from the Messenger, as He said:

“Whoever fears Allah will take heed.”

Thus, every believer must have some fear and take heed. When he takes heed, he benefits; that benefit may become complete, so that he purifies himself.

His words:

“For whoever wishes to take heed or wishes to be grateful”

also admit considerations similar to these. A grateful person may thank Allah for His blessings even without feeling fear, whereas taking heed may entail fear. Moreover, taking heed entails fear of punishment and seeking reward, so that one acts with the future in mind, whereas gratitude concerns past blessings.

Furthermore, taking heed involves recalling previously acquired knowledge, including recalling Allah’s blessings upon oneself; it is therefore a cause of gratitude. Recollecting the cause and its originator.

Furthermore, gratitude leads to an increase in blessings. Taking heed may be for this purpose, or it may arise from fear of punishment. The reverse may also be the case: a grateful person may offer the gratitude required of him so as not to be ungrateful and thus be punished for failing to give thanks through the withdrawal of the blessing and other punishments.