the consequence of evil is called evil, and the consequence of good is called good; the consequences of good deeds are called hasanāt (good things), and the consequences of evil deeds sayyi’āt (bad things).

Thus, in the Book of Allah, “hasanāt and sayyi’āt” refer to good and evil deeds, as well as to blessings and calamities. Recompense corresponds to the deed: whoever does good and performs good deeds encounters good and good things, while whoever does evil and performs evil deeds encounters evil and bad things. Likewise, whoever acts waywardly encounters waywardness. Neglecting prayer and following desires are forms of waywardness whose perpetrator will encounter waywardness.

For this reason, al-Zamakhsharī said:

“To the Arabs, every evil is waywardness, and every good is right conduct.”

As the poet said:

“Whoever encounters good, people praise his conduct;
Whoever goes astray will never lack someone to blame him for his waywardness.”

Al-Zajjāj said: “Its recompense is waywardness,” in accordance with His words:

“He will meet a penalty,”

meaning recompense for sins. And the transmitted hadith states:

“Ghayy is a valley in Hell from which its other valleys seek refuge.”

This expresses the encounter with evil.

He, glorified be He, says:

“They neglected prayer and followed desires.”

Prayer entails seeking the Face of Allah, as Allah Most High says:

“Do not drive away those who call upon their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face.”

That is, they perform the dawn and afternoon prayers. The one who supplicates directs himself toward his Lord and seeks Him. Thus, in these acts, hearts seek their Lord and love Him.