And His words:

“Thus We have subjected them to you so that you may glorify Allah for guiding you. And give good tidings to those who do good.”

And His words:

“Allah is He who created seven heavens, and of the earth the like of them. His command descends among them so that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah encompasses all things in knowledge.”

And His words:

“Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a means of support for people, as well as the sacred month, the sacrificial animals, and their garlands. This is so that you may know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth, and that Allah has knowledge of all things.”

And His words:

“We sent no messenger except to be obeyed by Allah’s permission.”

Another example is His saying:

“Allah does not intend to impose hardship upon you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favour upon you, so that you may be grateful.”

And His words:

“Allah wishes to make things clear to you, guide you to the ways of those before you, and turn to you in mercy. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. * Allah wishes to turn to you in mercy, but those who follow their desires wish you to stray far from the right path. * Allah wishes to lighten your burden, for man was created weak.”

And other such passages indicating that Allah performs an act for an end that He loves and is pleased with, and that He commands His servants to pursue. If they attain it, therein lie their salvation and happiness. Some He helps to accomplish it, while others do not accomplish it. This has puzzled a group of people, who said: “How can He perform an act for an end when He knows that it will not be attained?”