وَالتَّفَاضُلُ بَيْنَهُمْ بِالْخَشْيَةِ وَالتُّقَى وَمُخَالَفَةِ الْهَوَى وَمُلَازَمَةِ الْأَوْلَى
They differ in merit through reverent fear, godliness, resisting the self's desires and constant adherence to what is better.
The core of faith is shared, while its perfection has degrees. Greater piety, restraint and obedience raise a person's excellence.
A sin harms perfection, but not every sin abolishes the underlying assent itself.