What is the meaning of the noble verse: "Close friends on that Day will be enemies to one another, except for the righteous"? And why did it not say: "except for the believers" or "except for the Muslims"? And what is the difference between a righteous person (muttaqi), a believer (mu'min), and a Muslim?

The word "Al-Muttaqin" (the righteous/pious) in the verse has been interpreted in several similar ways, including: those who affirm Tawhid (definition) (monotheists), the believers, those who are truthful with Allah, those who love each other for His sake, and those who avoid bad companions. The word encompasses every believing Muslim man and woman who love each other for Allah's sake and are truthful with Him.

As for the difference between Al-Muttaqi (the pious), Al-Mu'min (the believer), and Al-Muslim (the Muslim), it is understood from the jurisprudential rule: "If they are mentioned together, they are distinct; if they are mentioned separately, they are inclusive." Thus, if "Islam" and "Iman" are mentioned together in a single text, Islam refers to outward actions, and Iman refers to inner beliefs. If one of them is mentioned alone, it encompasses the other.

Al-Muttaqi is one who believes, prays, gives zakat (definition) with guidance, and performs all obligatory duties, or one whose heart is filled with veneration for the Lord and fear of His displeasure and the consequences of sin.