and as guidance and mercy for the believers. ⦗57⦘ The Exalted then repeated the two by saying: “Say: In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy—let them rejoice in that.” ⦗Yūnus: 57–58⦘.

The early generations used varied expressions when interpreting “the bounty” and “the mercy,” (1) yet the soundest view is that they mean guidance and favor: His bounty is His guidance, and His mercy is His blessing. For this reason He often links guidance with favor, as in Sūrat al-Fātiḥah: “Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor.” ⦗al-Fātiḥah: 6–7⦘.

Likewise, He said to His Prophet—reminding him of His favors: “Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter, find you unaware and guide you, and find you in need and enrich you?” ⦗ad-Ḍuḥā: 6–8⦘. Thus He combined for him both guidance and the blessings of shelter and enrichment.

The same pairing appears in Noah’s words: “My people, have you considered: if I stand upon clear proof from my Lord and He has granted me mercy from Himself… ” ⦗Hūd: 28⦘,

and in Shuʿayb’s words: “Have you considered: if I stand upon clear proof from my Lord and He has provided me with a good provision from Him… ” ⦗Hūd: 88⦘.

Concerning al-Khiḍr He said: “They found a servant of Ours to whom We had given mercy from Us and taught knowledge from Our own presence.” ⦗al-Kahf: 65⦘.

To His Messenger He said: “Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory, so that Allah may forgive you your past and future sins, perfect His favor upon you, guide you to a straight path, and grant you a mighty help.” ⦗al-Fatḥ: 1–3⦘.

And He said: “Allah has sent down to you the Book and wisdom, and taught you what you did not know—”