the disbelievers, and every other being destined for the Fire. Thus, although all creatures are equally encompassed by His act of creation, His will, His power, and His decree, they diverge when it comes to command and prohibition, love and approval, and anger.

The God-fearing allies of Allah are those who carry out what they have been commanded, refrain from what they have been forbidden, and remain patient with what has been decreed; consequently He loves them and they love Him, He is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him.

His enemies are the allies of the devils. Even though they remain under His power, He detests them, is wrathful with them, curses them, and requites them with justice.

[A Summary of the Differences between the Two Types of Allegiance]

A full discussion of these points belongs elsewhere; they are set down here only to draw attention to the main distinctions between the allies of the All-Merciful and the allies of Satan. The decisive criterion between them is their conformity to the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—for it is through him that Allah distinguished His blessed allies from His wretched enemies; His allies, the people of Paradise, from His enemies, the people of Hell; His allies, the people of guidance and rectitude, from His enemies, the people of deviation, misguidance and corruption; His enemies, the party of Satan, from His allies, those in whose hearts He has inscribed faith and whom He has supported with a spirit from Him. The Exalted said:

“You will not find a people who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they be their fathers, their sons, their brothers, or their kindred. He has written faith upon their hearts and strengthened them with a spirit from Him, and He will admit them to gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah; most surely the party of Allah are the successful.” (58:22)

And He, the Exalted, also said: “When…”