the unseen and the seen, You will judge between Your servants concerning that over which they used to differ.’”
He also says:
“Allah intends no injustice towards His servants.” (40:31)
“Allah has already judged between His servants.” (40:48)
This encompasses both special and general servitude.
The second kind is servitude through obedience, love, and compliance with His commands. Allah Most High says:
“O My servants, no fear will there be concerning you today, nor will you grieve.” (43:68)
He also says:
“So give good tidings to My servants who listen to what is said and follow the best of it.” (39:17–18)
And:
“The servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk humbly upon the earth, and when the ignorant address them, they respond with words of peace.” (25:63–64)
Allah Most High relates that Satan said:
“I will surely mislead them all, except Your chosen servants among them.” (15:40)
Then Allah Most High said:
“Indeed, you have no authority over My servants.” (15:40:41)
Thus, all created beings are servants subject to His lordship, while those who obey Him and are His allies are servants devoted to His worship. In the Quran, servants are never attributed to Him without qualification except in reference to these latter people.
As for describing those subject to His lordship as servants, this occurs only in one of five forms:
First, with an indefinite noun, as in His saying:
“Everyone in the heavens and the earth will come to the Most Merciful as a servant.”
Second, with the definite article, as in His sayings:
“Allah intends no injustice towards His servants.” (40:31)
“Allah has already judged between His servants.” (40:48)
Third, qualified by a demonstrative or something similar, as in His saying:
“Was it you who led these servants of Mine astray?”
Fourth, they are included among His servants in general, and thus mentioned together with those who obey Him, as in His saying:
“You will judge between Your servants concerning that over which they used to differ.” (39:46)
Fifth, they are mentioned with a description of their deeds, as in His saying:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of Allah’s mercy.’” (39:53)
It may be said that He called them His servants only because they did not despair of His mercy and turned to Him in repentance,