one must do whatever, when the term is used without qualification, is called taking heed. A person is not called one who takes heed if he does so in one case but fails to do so in another comparable case.

Likewise, a person is not described as pure, as having purified himself, or as having been purified if he has purified himself of one thing while remaining defiled by another comparable to it. The term “pure” is like the term “good.” Allah Most High says:

“Good women are for good men, and good men are for good women.”

[Surah al-Nūr: 26]

Just as He says:

“Wicked women are for wicked men, and wicked men are for wicked women.”

[Surah al-Nūr: 26]

It is narrated that he said regarding Ammār:

“Let him enter. Welcome to the good and purified one.” (1)

This likewise resembles the terms “God-fearing” and “one who purifies.” Allah Most High says:

“Successful indeed is the one who purifies it—and failed indeed is the one who corrupts it.”

[Surah al-Shams: 9–10]

And He says:

“Take charity from their wealth, thereby cleansing and purifying them.”

[Surah al-Tawba: 103]

And He says:

“Successful indeed is the one who purifies himself.”

[Surah al-Alā: 104]

And He says:

“Were it not for Allah’s grace and mercy upon you, none of you would ever have become purified. But Allah purifies whom He wills.”

[Surah al-Nūr: 21]

It is not a condition for the God-fearing and their like that they never commit a sin or that they be infallible regarding errors and sins. Were that the case, there would not be a single God-fearing person in the Muslim community. Rather, whoever repents of his sins is included among the God-fearing (2), and whoever does that which expiates his misdeeds is included among the God-fearing, (3) as He says:

“If you avoid the major sins that you are forbidden, We will absolve you of your misdeeds and admit you through an honorable entrance.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 31]