fulfils the duties Allah has made binding on him and, among the lawful things, chooses what Allah loves, he belongs to this group; whereas the one whose actions are confined to what Allah loves and approves, and who avails himself of what is permissible solely to help him carry out Allah’s commands, belongs to that higher group.

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Allah, exalted is He, speaks of His friends—the muqtasidīn (those who are moderate) and the sābiqūn (those who race ahead)—in Sūrah Fāṭir, where He says:

“Then We caused to inherit the Book those of Our servants whom We have chosen; among them are those who wrong themselves, and among them are those who are moderate, and among them are those who outstrip others in good deeds by Allah’s permission. That is the great bounty— gardens of perpetual residence which they will enter; they will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and with pearls, and their garments therein will be of silk. And they will say, ‘Praise be to Allah, who has removed from us all sorrow; surely our Lord is Forgiving, Appreciative— He who, out of His grace, has settled us in the Home of Everlasting Stay; no weariness will touch us there, nor fatigue.’” (35:32-35)

These three categories in this verse pertain exclusively to the nation of Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—as He, exalted be He, also says: “Then We caused to inherit the Book those of Our servants whom We have chosen…” (35:32).