Ten virtues are strung together in a single verse, and each is offered to men and women alike. Surah Al-Ahzab 33:36 names ten qualities that mark a true momin.

The first is islam, wholly submitting oneself to Allah. The second is iman, a belief that is sincere and lived. The third is qunut, obedience that flows from love rather than compulsion. The fourth is sidq, truthfulness in word, intention, and dealing. The fifth is sabr, steadfastness through hardship and in the face of temptation. The sixth is khushu, the humility of a heart that knows its Lord. The seventh is sadaqah, giving in charity so that wealth serves others. The eighth is siyam, fasting, which trains the soul in restraint. The ninth is hifz al-furuj, guarding one’s chastity and purity of conduct. The tenth is dhikr kathir, remembering Allah much, so that every other virtue stays rooted.

The list moves from inner conviction to outward conduct and then back to remembrance. Faith begins in the heart, matures through obedience, truthfulness, and patience, and is refined by humility, generosity, discipline, and purity. Dhikr comes last because it keeps the other nine alive. The repeated pairing of men and women shows that this path, and its reward, is open to everyone equally.

This fits the teaching that action is part of faith: iman, which is belief together with righteous deeds, encompasses both the outward and the inward, and there is no iman without amal. These ten virtues are the visible shape of that faith, as the heart believes and the limbs bear witness.

The promise is forgiveness and a great reward. Ten virtues are a modest price for that, if we begin with one and ask Allah to grant the rest.