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The_Foundations_of_the_Islamic_Belief, page : 204
Consequently we say that belief is a common noun used in three different ways.
(iii) The Definitions of Belief - Iman
The first usage denotes an acceptance with the heart, a belief based on the authority of other
believers
without the benefit of revelation and an open heart. This is the belief of the ordinary people; in
fact it is
the belief of all people except the elite.
This belief is, as it were, a knot bound around the heart, sometimes tightened and made stronger and
sometimes loosened and made weaker, just like the knot in a piece of string.
Do not consider this unlikely but remember the tenacity of Jews in holding fast to their doctrine,
how
they cannot be shaken or moved from it either by threatening, or warning, promising or admonishing,
examining or proving.
The same is true of Christians and innovators among whom exist some who can be made to doubt with
(iii) The Definitions of Belief - Iman
The first usage denotes an acceptance with the heart, a belief based on the authority of other
believers
without the benefit of revelation and an open heart. This is the belief of the ordinary people; in
fact it is
the belief of all people except the elite.
This belief is, as it were, a knot bound around the heart, sometimes tightened and made stronger and
sometimes loosened and made weaker, just like the knot in a piece of string.
Do not consider this unlikely but remember the tenacity of Jews in holding fast to their doctrine,
how
they cannot be shaken or moved from it either by threatening, or warning, promising or admonishing,
examining or proving.
The same is true of Christians and innovators among whom exist some who can be made to doubt with