all that is on the earth.” [al-Baqarah 2:29]

The word mā (that which) is a relative pronoun, and a relative pronoun conveys generality. That generality is further emphasized by His saying, “all.” Thus, everything on earth is lawful for us: to eat, drink, wear, and benefit from. Whoever claims otherwise is refuted by this evidence, unless he can establish proof for what he claims. This is why Allah, glorified and exalted is He, reproved those who prohibit the things Allah has made lawful, saying:

“Say, ‘Who has forbidden Allah’s adornment which He has brought forth for His servants, and the wholesome provisions?’” [al-A‘raf 7:32]

His statement, “The basic ruling concerning them is permissibility”: this principle is not established for every person; rather, it applies specifically to the believer. As for the disbeliever, foods are forbidden to him, because Allah says:

“Say, ‘They are for those who believe during the life of this world, exclusively theirs on the Day of Resurrection.’”

Thus, His saying, “They are for those who believe,” excludes those who do not believe. Likewise, Allah, exalted is He, says in Surah al-Ma'idah:

“There is no blame upon those who believe and do righteous deeds for what they have consumed,”

which implies that others are blameworthy for what they consume. Nevertheless, those who believe and do righteous deeds bear no blame for what they consume on condition that they do not use it to aid them in disobedience. Hence Allah, exalted is He, says:

“So long as they are mindful of Allah, believe, and do righteous deeds; then remain mindful of Allah and believe; then remain mindful of Allah and excel in good. And Allah loves those who excel in good.” [al-Ma'idah 5:93]

By Allah, we do not know whether we are fulfilling these conditions, or whether we consume something for which we are blameworthy. They are seven conditions, emphasized by the additional particle mā, for mā is commonly recognized as one of the particles used for emphasis. It has been said: