, reviling him, and showing enmity toward him—despite inwardly knowing that he is truthful—is disbelief according to the Companions, those who followed them in righteousness, the leading scholars, and all other groups, with the exception of Jahm and those who agreed with him, such as al-Sālihī, al-Ash‘arī, and others. They said:

“This is outward disbelief. Inwardly, however, it is disbelief only if it entails ignorance, such that (1) no affirmation of the Lord remains in the heart.”

This is based on the premise that faith in the heart does not vary in degree and that no mere portion of faith can be present in the heart. This contradicts the explicit scriptural texts as well as reality. A fuller discussion of this belongs elsewhere.

The point here is that Allah accepts the repentance of everyone among the adherents of innovation who repents. When a sin concerns Allah and His Messenger, the right involved belongs exclusively to Allah. In this matter, therefore, a person must (2) seek Allah’s Countenance and follow His Messenger, so that his deed may be both sincere and correct.

Allah Most High says:

“And they say, ‘None will enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.’ Such are their vain desires. Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.’ Rather, whoever submits himself wholly to Allah and does good shall have his reward with his Lord. No fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve.”

[Surah al-Baqara: 111–112]

And Allah Most High says:

“Who is better in religion than one who submits himself wholly to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham, inclining to truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.”

[Surah al-Nisā’: 125]

The Quran commentators and linguists said that the verse means: he devoted his religion and his deeds (3) sincerely to Allah and performed his deeds well.