What is the difference between absolute faith (al-iman al-mutlaq) and the mere existence of faith (mutlaq al-iman)?

Absolute faith is complete faith that does not describe the disobedient and those who fall short in their acts of obedience. As for "mutlaq al-iman" (a degree of faith), it refers to one who possesses the root of faith but falls short in acts of obedience. This includes the disobedient and those who fall short in some acts of obedience. Ibn Abi al-Izz mentioned in his commentary on "Al-Tahawiyyah" that absolute faith entails doing everything Allah has commanded and abandoning everything He has forbidden. Sheikh Abd al-Rahman ibn Hasan Al al-Sheikh said that "mutlaq al-iman" is the description of a Muslim who possesses the root of faith, even if he persists in a sin or neglects what is obligatory upon him despite having the ability.