, accompanying one another and being in agreement. This is what grammarians mean when they say that “with” denotes companionship. Such association then implies other things that necessarily follow from it. Thus, when Allah, glory be to Him, is said to be with His creation, this necessarily entails His knowledge of them, His governance of their affairs, and His power over them. When He is with some of them specifically, the context makes clear that He supports and assists them. Accordingly, being “with” His creation appears in the Book of Allah in both general and specific senses. These distinctions, however, arise from the particular wording and context; the meaning common to its various occurrences is what has already been explained.

The Most High says: “And know that Allah is with those who fear Him” (36) [al-Tawbah 36].

He says: “Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses” (81) [Āl ‘Imrān 81].

He says: “And Allah said, ‘I am with you; if you establish prayer and give zakah’” [al-Mā’idah 12].

He says: “When he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us’” [al-Tawbah 140].

He says: “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good” (128) [al-Nahl 128].

He says: “And be patient; indeed,