and yourself from Paradise?”

Adam replied:

“You are Moses, whom Allah chose to speak to. How long before I was created did you find these words written against me: ‘And Adam disobeyed his Lord and went astray’?”

Moses answered, “Such and such a length of time beforehand.” Thus Adam prevailed over Moses in the argument. This was because Moses was not reproaching Adam for the sin itself: Adam had already repented of it, and one who repents of a sin is like one who has no sin. Rather, he was reproaching him for the calamity that had befallen them as a result.

They are commanded to consider divine decree when faced with calamities and to seek forgiveness for their faults, as Allah Most High says:

“So be patient; indeed, Allah’s promise is true. And seek forgiveness for your sin.”

Whoever observes both divine command and divine decree in the manner described worships Allah, obeys Him, seeks His help, and relies upon Him. He is among those whom Allah has blessed: the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. What excellent companions they are!

Allah, glorified be He, has brought these two principles together in several passages, such as His saying:

“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”

And His saying:

“So worship Him and rely upon Him.”

And His saying:

“Upon Him I rely, and to Him I turn.”

And His saying:

“Whoever fears Allah, He will provide a way out for him,”

“and provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah, He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything.”

Worship, then, is for Allah, and help is sought from Him. “The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to say when offering a sacrifice: