might, which is perfect power, and from wisdom, which is perfect knowledge. Whoever forgives out of weakness and ignorance of the offender’s crime [is neither powerful, wise, nor knowledgeable. That is nothing but weakness]. You, however, forgive only with perfect power, perfect knowledge, and wisdom by which You put everything in its proper place. Thus, this wording is more fitting here than mentioning the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful, which would imply an indirect plea for forgiveness at an inappropriate time, when its opportunity has already passed. Had he said, “And if You forgive them, You alone are the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful,” this would have constituted an appeal for compassion and an indirect plea for forgiveness for those who do not deserve it—something from which the station of the Messiah, peace be upon him, is far removed. This is especially so since the occasion is one of majesty and grandeur, and of retribution against those who attributed a child to Allah or took a god besides Him. Mentioning might and wisdom is therefore more fitting here than mentioning mercy and forgiveness.

This differs from the words of Abraham, Allah’s intimate friend, peace be upon him:

14:35 and 36 “And keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols. My Lord, indeed they have led many people astray. So whoever follows me is of me; and whoever disobeys me—indeed, You are All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

He did not say, “You are Almighty, All-Wise,” because this is an occasion for appealing for compassion and making an indirect supplication. That is: if You forgive him and have mercy on him by guiding him to turn from associating partners with You to worshipping You alone, and from disobedience to obedience. This is like the hadith:

“O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.”

This provides the clearest evidence that the names of the Lord Most High are derived from attributes and meanings inherent in Him, and that each name is suited to the actions and commands mentioned alongside it. Allah alone grants success in reaching what is correct.

Section

The Levels of Particular and General Guidance: Ten Levels

The first level is that of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, speaking to His servant while the servant is awake, without an intermediary, but directly from Him to His servant. This is the highest level of guidance, as when He spoke to Moses son of ʿImrān—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon our Prophet and upon him. Allah Most High says:

4:164 “And Allah spoke to Moses directly.”