What is certainty (al-yaqīn), what are the characteristics of its people, and how does a Muslim attain it?

Certainty (yaqin) is complete knowledge devoid of doubt; it is the highest degree of faith and the station of ihsan (excellence). Certainty is to faith as the soul is to the body, and by it, the degrees of knowledge vary.

Certainty is divided into three aspects: 1. Certainty of the report (yaqin al-khabar): The heart's tranquility regarding a trustworthy report. 2. Certainty of the indication (yaqin al-dalalah): Establishing proofs and evidence for the truthfulness of the report. 3. Certainty of the unveiling (yaqin al-mukashafah): When what is reported becomes to the heart as if it were seen by the eye.

Among the characteristics of people of certainty are: 1. The misfortunes of this world become trivial to them. 2. Peace of mind and tranquility of heart when worldly fortunes are missed. 3. Strong reliance on Allah and awareness of His companionship. 4. Frequent spending in the way of Allah. 5. Humility (khushu') and uprightness. 6. Asceticism (zuhd) in this world and shortening one's hopes in it. 7. Great benefit from cosmic and legislative signs.

To attain certainty, one must combine two stations: 1. Firmness in beneficial knowledge by examining its proofs. 2. Exerting effort in performing acts of obedience and avoiding prohibitions, while paying attention to reciting the Quran, reflecting on it, and acting upon it.