As for those who turn toward obeying Allah, He has not wronged them in the slightest. Hence we read in the verses: “Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people” (al-Baqarah 2:258); “Allah does not guide the disbelieving people” (al-Baqarah 2:264); and “Allah does not guide the rebellious people” (al-Ma’idah 5:108). Thus wrongdoing, disbelief, and defiant sin are themselves causes for being deprived of guidance. These are the servants’ own deeds, and He requites them for them—out of justice, not tyranny—“Allah did not wrong them; rather, they wronged themselves” (an-Nahl 16:33).

It therefore befits neither His majesty to honour anyone described in this way, nor does it befit Him to let the deeds of the righteous go to waste. He—exalted is He—declares: “Do those who commit evil deeds really think We will make them like those who believe and do righteous deeds—equal in life and in death? How evil is the judgement they make!” (al-Jathiyah 45:21). And He says: “Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth so that every soul may be recompensed for what it has earned; they shall not be wronged” (al-Jathiyah 45:22); and: “Shall We then treat those who submit as We treat the criminals? What is the matter with you—how do you judge?” (al-Qalam 68:35–36). Such a ruling would be sheer injustice, utterly removed from Allah’s perfection. He—glorified is He—also says: “Shall We treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like those who spread corruption on earth, or shall We treat the God-fearing like the wicked?” (Sad 38:28).