(96) “Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds—the Most Merciful will grant them affection.”

This is one of His blessings upon those servants of His who combine faith with righteous deeds: He has promised to place affection for them—that is, love and fondness—in the hearts of His allies and among the inhabitants of heaven and earth. When they are loved in people’s hearts, many of their affairs are made easy, and they receive abundant good, prayers, guidance, acceptance, and leadership. Hence, it is reported in the authentic hadith: “When Allah loves a servant, He calls Gabriel and says, ‘I love so-and-so, so love him.’ Gabriel then loves him and announces among the inhabitants of heaven, ‘Allah loves so-and-so, so love him.’ The inhabitants of heaven then love him, and acceptance is thereafter placed for him on earth.” Allah grants them affection because they (1) love Him, and so He endears them to His allies and beloved servants.