1796 — Muhammad ibn Ahmad informed us. Uthman informed us. Hanbal narrated to us. He said: Abu Abd Allah told me: I heard Sufyan ibn Uyaynah say:

“When he was asked, ‘Are you a believer?’ he might decline to answer, saying, ‘Your asking me this is an innovation, and I have no doubt about my faith.’ Nor would he rebuke anyone who said that faith diminishes, or who said, ‘If Allah wills.’ This is not disapproved of, nor does it amount to doubt.”