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ArticlesOfTheIslamicFaithByGhazali, page : 228
lives long enough to be able to confess the two phrases of
the witness with his tongue and to know that they are obligatory
upon him, but, for some reason, he does not so confess
them. It is possible that his failure to confess them with
his tongue is like his failure to pray. Concerning such a person
we will say that he is a believer not doomed to Hell fire
eternally. Because belief is simple acceptance and the tongue
is its interpreter.
It is certain, therefore, that belief exists in its entirety
even before its verbal confession with the tongue, so that the
tongue can interpret it. This is the most plausible position,
since there is no choice but to follow the exact meaning
of terms and to satisfy the dictates of language. The Prophet
the witness with his tongue and to know that they are obligatory
upon him, but, for some reason, he does not so confess
them. It is possible that his failure to confess them with
his tongue is like his failure to pray. Concerning such a person
we will say that he is a believer not doomed to Hell fire
eternally. Because belief is simple acceptance and the tongue
is its interpreter.
It is certain, therefore, that belief exists in its entirety
even before its verbal confession with the tongue, so that the
tongue can interpret it. This is the most plausible position,
since there is no choice but to follow the exact meaning
of terms and to satisfy the dictates of language. The Prophet