by rational proofs; such a person possesses strong faith.

Others, however, are the reverse: they will not be persuaded by the scriptural proofs unless those proofs, in their view, are confirmed by rational evidence. You will therefore find them relying on rational arguments more than on textual ones; indeed, they are not satisfied with the scriptural proof at all until the rational proof endorses it for them. Such people are in danger of deviation—may Allah protect us—for if someone only accepts the truth when it accords with what his flawed intellect has grasped, he is in grave peril.

For this reason, the believers with the strongest faith are those who submit most fully to the Sharia, that is, to the Quran and the Sunnah. When you sense within yourself a willing submission to the Quran and Sunnah, welcoming them and complying with them, this is a promising sign. But when you find within yourself unease toward the rulings of the Sharia unless they are supported, in your estimation, by rational proofs, then know that there is a sickness in your heart, for the Almighty says: “It is not for a believing man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter, to have any choice about it; and whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed gone far astray” (al-Aḥzāb 33:36).

As for His words, “and debate with them in the manner that is best,” they appear again in al-ʿAnkabūt: “Do not debate with the People of the Book except in the manner that is best—unless it be those among them who act unjustly” (al-ʿAnkabūt 29:46). Such oppressors are not to be treated gently; fight them with the sword until they pay the jizyah directly and in humility. Accordingly, the stages are four: wisdom, exhortation, disputation with what is best, and disputation with swords for the one who is unjust. Allah is the One who grants success.