Blessings are of two kinds: absolute and qualified. The absolute blessing is that which leads to eternal happiness: the blessing of Islam and the Sunnah. Allah, glorified and exalted, has commanded us to ask Him in our prayers to guide us to the path of those who possess this blessing—those whom He has singled out for it and made members of the highest company. He, the Exalted, says (4:69):
“Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be with those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets, those steadfast in truth, the martyrs, and the righteous. What excellent companions they are!”
These four groups possess this absolute blessing. Its recipients are also those meant by Allah’s words:
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and approved Islam for you as your religion.”
He ascribed the religion to them because they, unlike all other nations, have been singled out for this upright religion.
Religion is sometimes ascribed to the servant and sometimes to the Lord. Thus, it is said: “Islam is Allah’s religion, besides which He accepts no other from anyone.” Hence the supplication: “O Allah, grant victory to Your religion, which You sent down from heaven.”
He associated perfection with religion and completion with His favour, ascribing the latter to Himself because He is its bestower and the One who grants it to them. They are merely its recipients, receiving it from Him. Hence the words of the transmitted supplication for the Muslims: “Make them praise You for it and accept it, and complete it for them.”
As for religion, since they are the ones who uphold and practise it through their Lord’s enabling grace, He ascribed it to them, saying: “I have perfected your religion for you.” Thus, perfection pertains to religion, while completion pertains to the favour.
Although the two words are close in meaning and closely related, there is a subtle distinction between them that becomes apparent upon reflection.
Perfection applies more particularly to attributes and meanings. It is also used of concrete things and beings, but with regard to their attributes and distinctive qualities. Thus, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said: “Many men have attained perfection, but among women none have attained perfection except Mary daughter of Imrān, Āsiyah daughter of Muzāhim, and Khadījah daughter of Khuwaylid.”
Umar ibn Abd al-Azīz said: “Faith has prescribed bounds, obligations, sunnah practices, and ordinances. Whoever fulfils them completely has perfected his faith.”