and His words: “Which of the two parties is better in standing and finer in assembly?”; and His words—Exalted is He:

“Who could have a better religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, acts with excellence, and follows the creed of Abraham, the upright? Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.” (an-Nisāʾ 4:125);

and His words—Exalted is He:

“Be just; that is nearer to God-fearing.” (al-Māʾidah 5:8);

and His saying:

“Had they done what they were admonished to do, it would have been better for them and firmer in making them steadfast.” (an-Nisāʾ 4:66).

There are many passages like this, all of which state that the act commanded is better and more excellent than the act forbidden, even though the former may be obligatory and the latter prohibited. This is because the commanded act may include a lesser harm, while the forbidden act may contain a lesser benefit; and, when considered from that angle, it is