on an edge”—to the end of the verse. Allah Most High also says:
“Do you think you will enter Paradise before Allah has made evident those of you who strive and those who are patient?”
Allah Most High says:
“We will surely test you until We make evident those of you who strive and those who are patient, and test your affairs.”
He—glory be to Him—has declared that when apostates appear, there must also be those who love Him and are loved by Him, and who strive in His cause. He says:
“Whoever among you turns away from his religion—Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him”—to the end of the verse.
These are the ones who are grateful for the blessing of faith and patient under trial, as Allah Most High says:
“Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will not harm Allah at all. And Allah will reward the grateful.”
“No soul can die except by Allah’s permission, at a term decreed. Whoever desires the reward of this world, We will give him some of it; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We will give him some of it. And We will reward the grateful.”
“How many a prophet fought with many followers alongside him! They did not lose heart because of what befell them in the cause of Allah, nor did they weaken or yield. And Allah loves those who are patient.”
“Their only words were, ‘Our Lord, forgive us our sins and our excesses in our conduct, make our feet firm, and grant us victory over the disbelieving people.’”
“So Allah gave them the reward of this world and the excellent reward of the Hereafter. And Allah loves those who do good.”
When Allah blesses a person with patience and gratitude, everything Allah decrees for him is good for him, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“Allah decrees nothing for the believer except that it is good for him: if prosperity comes to him and he is grateful, it is good for him; and if adversity comes to him