Among the things that remove the consequences of sins are “expiatory afflictions”: anything that causes pain, whether worry, sorrow, or harm to one’s wealth, honor, body, or anything else. These, however, are not acts performed by the servant.

Having addressed Allah’s right through these two injunctions—doing good and rectifying wrongdoing—he said:

“Treat people with good character.”

This is the right owed to people. Good character in dealing with people consists, in essence, of maintaining ties with those who sever them with you—by greeting them, honoring them, supplicating for them, seeking forgiveness for them, speaking well of them, and visiting them; giving to those who withhold from you, through teaching, providing benefit, and giving wealth; and pardoning those who wrong you in your person, property, or honor. Some of this is obligatory, and some is recommended.

As for the exalted character with which Allah described Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, it is the religion encompassing everything Allah has commanded, without exception. This is what Mujāhid and others said. It is putting the Quran into practice, as ‘Ā’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said:

“His character was the Quran.”

Its essence is to hasten to carry out what Allah Most High loves, willingly and with an open heart.

As for explaining how all of this is included in Allah’s counsel, the term “fearing Allah” encompasses doing everything Allah has commanded, whether as an obligation or a recommendation, and refraining from everything He has prohibited as unlawful