objected to the state that had prompted al-Shiblī to utter these words, since it was incompatible with contentment. Had he uttered them in the prescribed manner, he would not have objected. Among the reports he mentions are weak ones, such as the following, which he cites without a chain of transmission:

He said: “It is related that Moses said, ‘My God, guide me to a deed which, if I perform it, will earn Your pleasure.’

“He replied, ‘You are unable to do that.’ Moses then fell prostrate, humbly supplicating, and Allah revealed to him: ‘O son of ʿImrān, My pleasure lies in your contentment with Me.’”

This Israelite account is questionable, for it may be said that it is not fitting to relate such a thing about Moses son of ʿImrān. It is well known that these Israelite accounts have no chains of transmission and cannot establish proof in any religious matter unless they have been authentically transmitted to us, as with accounts about the Children of Israel authentically related by our Prophet. Some of them, however, are known to be false, such as this one. Moses is among the greatest of the messengers of firm resolve and among the foremost Muslims. How, then, can it be said that he is unable to perform deeds that earn Allah’s pleasure, when Allah Most High is pleased with the first forerunners among the Emigrants and the Helpers and those who followed them in righteousness? Would He then not be pleased with Moses son of ʿImrān, to whom the Most Merciful spoke? The Most High says:

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds—they are the best of creation.”

“Their reward with their Lord is Gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him.”

It is well known that Moses son of ʿImrān, peace be upon him, is among the best of those who believe and do righteous deeds.