‘My Lord has honoured me.’ (15) But when He tests him by restricting his provision, he says, ‘My Lord has humiliated me.’ (16) No! Rather, you do not honour the orphan. (17)” [al-Fajr 15–17]

Allah Most High also says:

“We certainly destroyed generations before you when they did wrong. Their messengers came to them with clear proofs, but they would not believe. Thus do We recompense the guilty people. (13) Then We made you successors on earth after them, to see how you would act. (14)” [Yūnus 13–14]

And He says:

“It is He who has made you successors on earth and raised some of you above others in rank, to test you through what He has given you. Indeed, your Lord is swift in punishment, and He is certainly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (165)” [al-An‘ām 165]

He thus explains that He made them successors and raised some above others in rank—as He raises the rank of those possessing kingship and authority—to test them through what He has given them. Since this is so, whoever among them acts in obedience to Allah, not in disobedience to Him, is among Allah’s allies and righteous servants. Whoever among them acts in disobedience to Allah, seeking supremacy on earth and corruption, and is conceited, arrogant, and tyrannical, is among Allah’s enemies and those upon whom Allah has brought His wrath and curse.

One of the early generations—I think it was Mujāhid—said concerning the words of Allah Most High:

“And when you strike, you strike as tyrants. (130)” [al-Shu‘arā’ 130]

He said: “This is the use of the whip, the sword, and the staff for purposes other than obedience to Allah.” Thus, whoever strikes