“… according to the methodology of Islamic theology (
Kalam) individuals are not responsible for thoughts that occur to them. That is, in terms of objective responsibility, if individuals do not pronounce such things openly, do not let their eyes willfully look at forbidden sights, and do not commit anything practically with their hands, mouth etc., what passes through their mind will not be recorded as sin. This is the criterion for ordinary people like us. As for the distinguished servants, from a perspective of
subjective responsibility, even the pollution of their imagination calls for repentance and asking forgiveness. In this respect, the most perfect guide to be followed was the most ascetic person in the world. For example, you are drinking tea. While sipping your tea, which tastes so pleasant with the sugar and lemon you added, you take great delight in it. If you do not question yourself right away by asking yourself, ‘What if my God does not like me doing this…’ and do not ask for forgiveness for the possibility of doing something unbecoming in your subjective judgment, then it means you are not giving your position its due.”
7)