or whether he is not truly generous. They differentiate between one who seeks some return from others—thus depending on them so that his “generosity” is really a transaction—and one who has no need of anyone, but is Himself the Benefactor Who confers favors and issues wise decrees, as has been explained elsewhere.

Moreover, when the Exalted One says,

“We have indeed created man in the best form; then We returned him to the lowest of the low—except for those who believe and do righteous deeds” (1),

He makes it clear that the blessing is removed from the unbeliever. Were the believer treated the same, there would be no distinction between the two.

Fifth (2): Consider His words concerning the delights of Paradise:

“a gift that shall never be cut off” (3),

and His words regarding the punishment of the inhabitants of the Fire:

“Surely your Lord is Doer of whatever He wills” (4).

More than one scholar has said that “never to be cut off” (5) applies here as well.

Sixth: It has been reported that the people of Paradise and of Hell will not die, as stated in the sound hadith:

“Death will be brought in the form of a ram and slaughtered between Paradise and Hell. Then it will be proclaimed: ‘O people of Paradise, everlasting life with no death; and O people of Hell, everlasting life with no death.’” (6)

Each group will abide forever in what it is in. Since they will not die, they must necessarily remain in an abode, and it is impossible that they be punished after entering Paradise. Nothing therefore remains but the Abode of Bliss. Now every living being experiences either pleasure or pain; when pain is absent, perpetual pleasure (7) becomes inevitable. هـ.

This is its conclusion… All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family, and his Companions. Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Guardian.