As for that which pertains to Allah, He possesses the finest attributes, the finest actions, and the finest words. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Indeed, Allah is good and accepts only that which is good …” (1) That is, He says only what is good, does only what is good, and is described only by what is good. Thus, He is good in every respect: in His Essence, His attributes, and His actions.

Likewise, from the verbal and physical deeds of His servants, He is due what is good (285). For none but what is good is fitting for the Good, and none but what is good should be offered to Him. Allah, Exalted is He, has said: “Wicked women are for wicked men, and wicked men are for wicked women; and good women are for good men, and good men are for good women.” [al-Nūr 24:26] This is the way of Allah.

So, O worshipper, when you say, “and all pure things are for Allah,” do you bring these meanings to mind, or do you say it merely as a remembrance and praise?

Most people fall into the latter category. When they say, “and all pure things,” they do not bring to mind that Allah is good in His Essence, His attributes, His actions, and His words, and that nothing but what is good of the words and deeds issuing from created beings is fitting for Him.

The opposite of what is good comprises two things: that which is evil, and that which is neither good nor evil. For Allah, glorified is He, possesses the most exalted attributes: “And to Him belongs the highest attribute.” [al-Rūm 30:27] It is therefore impossible for there to be, in His attributes, actions, or words, anything that is neither good nor evil. Rather, all His actions, words, and attributes are wholly good.

As for what proceeds from created beings, some of it is good, some is evil, and some is neither. But what is it that ascends to Allah and is raised to Him?