: Understand, O Muslims, what Allah, Glorious and Exalted, is telling you. He teaches you: “I am the Master of all servants. I choose from among them whomever I will, purify his heart, open his breast, make obedience to Me beautiful in his sight, and make disobedience to Me hateful to him—not because of any favor he has previously rendered Me. I have no need of My servants, whereas they are in need of Me. ‘That is Allah’s bounty, which He grants to whomever He wills. Allah is the Possessor of immense bounty.’” [al-Hadīd: 21]

The favor belongs to Allah, Glorious and Exalted, toward whomever He guides to faith. Have you not heard—may Allah have mercy on you—the words of your Generous Master when some people claimed that their acceptance of Islam was a favor to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him? Allah, Glorious and Exalted, then revealed:

“They regard their acceptance of Islam as a favor to you. Say, ‘Do not regard your Islam as a favor to me. Rather, Allah has favored you by guiding you to faith, if you are truthful.’” [al-Hujurāt: 17]