reports concerning the conditions of Paradise and Hell. The difference between the two is that commanded actions require performance, so a general belief does not suffice; rather, belief in each particular obligation is necessary. This differs from matters conveyed through revelation: a general faith in what the Messenger brought concerning the Lord’s attributes and the Hereafter suffices, provided that this general faith is not contradicted in matters of detail. Hence, they were content with general affirmations concerning these beliefs and disliked elaboration that led to fighting and strife. In contrast, the prescribed duties cannot be addressed merely in general terms; their details must be known and put into practice.

As for the murderer, the adulterer, and one who wages war, they are executed only for their aggression against others, because of the harm this spreads. Whoever repents before being apprehended is relieved of Allah’s prescribed punishment, and none of them thereby becomes a disbeliever.

Furthermore, an apostate is executed for disbelieving after having believed, even if he is not waging war. Thus, neglecting what is commanded is a graver ground for disbelief and execution than committing what is forbidden.

This argument is strong according to the positions of the three imams—Mālik, al-Shāfiʿī, and Ahmad—and the majority of the early generations. Various proofs from the Quran and Sunnah support it. According to Abū Hanīfah’s position, however, it may be challenged by the argument that he does not require the execution of