And this meaning is sound, as the Most High says:

“When a sign comes to them, they say, ‘We will never believe until we are given the like of what [the messengers of] Allah were given.’ Allah knows best where to place His message.” Surah al-An‘ām, 124.

And as the Most High says:

“Do not turn away those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His countenance. You are not accountable for them in any way, nor are they accountable for you in any way. Were you to turn them away, you would be among the wrongdoers. Thus We have tested some of them through others, so that they might say, ‘Are these the ones whom Allah has favoured among us?’ Does Allah not know best those who are grateful?” Surah al-An‘ām, 52–53.

This meaning is appropriate when discussing the servant and his wrongdoing and establishing the case against him, or when explaining the Lord’s wisdom and justice. For Allah, glorified and exalted is He, says:

“Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your own hands have earned.” Surah al-Shūrā, 30.

He never withholds any of that which the servant deserves. Nor does He withhold the reward unless He has withheld its cause, namely righteous deeds. But when the cause—righteous deeds—is present:

“Whoever does righteous deeds while being a believer need fear neither injustice nor any loss of his due.” Surah Tā Hā, 112.

He, glorified is He, is the Giver and the Withholder. None can withhold what He gives, and none can give what He withholds. Yet, having blessed a person with faith and righteous deeds, He does not then withhold from him