• “And those who say, ‘Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell…’ (25:65)—that is: keep it away from us by protecting us from its causes and by pardoning whatever we have done that would warrant it. ‘Indeed, its punishment is persistent’ (25:65), meaning it clings to its inhabitants the way a creditor clings to his debtor. ‘Surely it is an evil dwelling and resting place’ (25:66).

This (1) plea is voiced in humble entreaty to their Lord, laying bare their intense need of Him and confessing that they have no power to withstand such torment. It also serves to remind them of Allah’s favor, for the relief of hardship is felt in proportion to the severity and dreadfulness of what has been lifted.

• “And those who, when they spend” (25:67)—whether on obligatory or voluntary outlays—“are neither wasteful,” meaning they do not exceed the proper bounds and fall into squandering or the neglect of other obligatory rights, “nor miserly,” thereby slipping into parsimony and stinginess. Rather, their spending is “balanced,” a moderation that sets affairs aright. They discharge what is due in obligatory matters—zakah, expiations, and required maintenance—and spend as is fitting in beneficial causes: aiding the needy, supporting charitable projects, and covering both the necessities and the refinements of religious and worldly concerns, all without harming themselves or others. This reflects their prudence, sound judgment, and wise management.

• “And those who do not call upon, alongside Allah, another deity” (25:68)—neither in the invocation of worship nor that of request. Instead, they worship Him alone, devoting their religion purely to Him, upright and turning toward Him while turning away from all else.