described them as merely hating what Allah revealed, and hatred (1) is an act of the heart. According to the Jahmiyya, faith consists merely of the heart’s affirmation (2) and its knowledge (3). This is the position of Jahm, al-Sālihī, al-Asharī—according to the best-known report from him—and most of his followers.

According to the jurists among the Murji'a, faith consists of the tongue’s profession together with the heart’s affirmation. On either view, acts of the heart form no more a part of faith, according to them, than do the actions of the limbs. A man may therefore affirm with his tongue and heart (4) while hating what Allah revealed (5), yet according to them he would not thereby be a disbeliever. The verse, however, applies to him; and if it establishes his disbelief, it also establishes the invalidity of their position.

They say:

“As for your assertion that ‘the God-fearing are those who guarded themselves against shirk,’ this contradicts the Quran, for Allah—Most High—said:

‘Indeed, the God-fearing will be amid shade and springs, and fruits of whatever they desire.’

[Surah al-Mursalāt: 41–42]

‘Indeed, the God-fearing will be amid gardens and rivers.’

[Surah al-Qamar: 54]

And He said:

‘Alif Lām Mīm. This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guide for the God-fearing—those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend from what We have provided them; and those who believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, and who are certain of the Hereafter.’

[Surah al-Baqara: 1–4]

And Mary said:

‘I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, if you are God-fearing.’

[Surah Maryam: 18]