his allies. So do not fear them, but fear Me, if you are believers.”

He, exalted is He, also says:

“Indeed, We have made the devils allies of those who do not believe.”

“When they commit an indecency, they say, ‘We found our forefathers doing it’”—up to His words:

“Indeed, they have taken the devils as allies instead of Allah, yet they think they are rightly guided.”

He, exalted is He, also says:

“Indeed, the devils inspire their allies to argue with you.”

The intimate friend of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

“O my father, I fear that a punishment from the Most Merciful will touch you, and you will become an ally of Satan.”

He, exalted is He, also says:

“O you who believe, do not take My enemies and yours as allies, offering them affection”—and the subsequent verses, up to His words:

“Indeed, You are the Almighty, the All-Wise.”

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Once it is understood that among people are “allies of the Most Merciful and allies of Satan,” the two must be distinguished, just as Allah and His Messenger have distinguished between them. The allies of Allah are the believers who fear Him, as He, exalted is He, says:

“Indeed, the allies of Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve.”

“Those who believe and are mindful of Him.”

In the authentic hadith narrated by al-Bukhārī and others from Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Allah says: ‘Whoever shows enmity to an ally of Mine has openly waged war against Me—or: I have declared war on him. And there is no drawing near to Me