Moreover, he loves the distinction between something being harmful to a person and hateful to him in every respect, and Allah having created it for a wise purpose. Since Allah has created everything for a wise purpose of His, when the servant perceives that purpose alongside the common ground shared by all created things, this does not prevent him from perceiving the distinction between them by which Allah has distinguished the people of Paradise from the people of Hell. Rather, he must perceive this distinction within that commonality. Such perception accords with Allah’s knowledge and wisdom. And Allah knows best.
Allah Most High says:
“Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your relatives, wealth you have acquired, trade whose decline you fear, and homes you find pleasing are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.’”
He thus declares that whoever holds the things he loves dearer than Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause is among those threatened with punishment.
Concerning those whom He loves and who love Him, He says:
“Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble towards the believers, firm towards the disbelievers, striving in Allah’s cause and fearing no one’s reproach.”
Whoever loves Allah must therefore follow the Messenger and strive in Allah’s cause. Indeed, this is incumbent upon every believer.
Allah Most High says:
“The believers are only those who believe in Allah