It may be said that faith outweighs unbelief whenever comparison is required in response to someone who imagines unbelief to be superior. [The same may be said of good and evil] (1).

Allah Most High says (2): [

“Who could have a better religion than one who submits himself wholly to Allah, does good, and follows the faith of Abraham in all uprightness? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 125].

And He Most High says:

“When the call to prayer is proclaimed on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade aside. That is better for you, if only you knew.”

[Surah al-Jumuah: 9]

And He Most High says:

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them.”

[Surah al-Nūr: 0]

And He says:

“Do not enter houses other than your own until you have sought permission and greeted their occupants. That is better for you.”

[Surah al-Nūr: 27]

Indeed, Allah—Glorified is He—may even declare Himself superior to what is worshipped apart from Him, as in His words:

“Is Allah better, or what they associate with Him?”

[Surah al-Naml: 59],

and in the believers’ words to the sorcerers:

“Allah is better and more enduring.”

[Surah Tā Hā: 73]
] (3).

Likewise, it has become clear that the unbelievers are guilty of greater wrongdoing when a comparison is made. Allah Most High says:

“They ask you about fighting in the sacred month. Say, ‘Fighting in it is a grave matter.’”

[Surah al-Baqarah: 217], [Then He says] (4):

“Yet barring people from Allah’s path, disbelieving in Him, barring access to the Sacred Mosque, and expelling its people from it are graver before Allah; and persecution is graver than killing.”

[Surah al-Baqarah: 217]. This verse was revealed when the polytheists reproached the Muslims’ expeditionary detachment (5) because they