Mujāhid likewise explained the phrase as “never drawn away” (1). This accords with the foregoing, for whatever comes to an end is fixed and measurable, whereas that which is endless is not subject to any depletion.

Yet some people have put forward an eccentric view, saying that it means “no favour is conferred upon them,” citing His words:

“They consider it a favour to you that they have embraced Islam. Say: ‘Do not consider your Islam a favour to me. Rather, it is Allah who confers favour upon you by guiding you to faith, if you are truthful.’” (2)

This interpretation, besides contradicting the explanations of the early generations and the majority, is wrong for several reasons:

First: Allah reminds us of every blessing He grants us—even faith and righteous deeds. He, Exalted, says:

“They consider it a favour to you that they have embraced Islam. Say: ‘Do not consider your Islam a favour to me. Rather, it is Allah who confers favour upon you by guiding you to faith, if you are truthful.’” (3)

He also says:

“Allah has surely shown favour to the believers when He raised up among them a Messenger from among themselves.” (4)

And He relates the words of the people of Paradise:

“They will turn to one another, questioning, and will say, ‘We were, in days gone by, among our families, anxious; then Allah favoured us and shielded us from the scorching punishment.’” (5)

Likewise, they declare:

“All praise is due to Allah, who guided us to this; had Allah not guided us, we would never have been rightly guided.” (6)

And His saying:

“Had it not been for my Lord’s favour, I would surely have been among those brought forth (for punishment).” (7)

Moreover, it is authentically established