Thus the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, explained that one person enters Paradise through the deeds he performs and with which his life ends, while another enters the Fire through the deeds he performs and with which his life ends. As he said, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:
“Deeds are judged by their endings.”
This is because all good deeds are nullified by apostasy, and all sins are forgiven through repentance. Similarly, if someone fasts but breaks his fast before sunset, or prays but deliberately breaks his state of ritual purity before completing the prayer, his act of worship is invalidated.
In sum, the position of the early generations of this community and its leading scholars is what Allah sent His messengers with and revealed His Books to convey. They believe in Allah’s creation and His command, His decree and His revealed Law, His decrees governing creation and His religious rulings, and His universal and legislative will. As He said in the first verse:
“Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whoever He wills to lead astray, He makes his heart tight and constricted, as though he were ascending into the sky.”
Noah, peace be upon him, said:
“My advice will not benefit you, even if I wish to advise you, if Allah wills to lead you astray.”
Concerning His legislative will, Allah Most High said:
“Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.”
He also said:
“Allah wishes to make things clear to you, guide you to the ways of those before you, and accept your repentance. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.”
And He said:
“Allah does not intend to impose hardship upon you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you.”
While acknowledging that Allah is the Creator, Lord, and Sovereign of everything, and that He created all things through His power and will, they also acknowledge that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him and that none other deserves worship. They obey Him and His messengers, love Him, place their hope in Him, fear Him, rely upon Him, and turn to Him in repentance. They ally themselves with His allies and oppose His enemies. They acknowledge His love for what He has commanded and for His believing servants