and the Gospel. He enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong, makes good things lawful for them and forbids them foul things, and relieves them of their burden and the shackles that bound them.”

Thus, a distinction is drawn between right and wrong: the former is commanded and the latter forbidden; and between good and foul things: the former are made lawful and the latter prohibited. Another aspect of the “criterion” is that He distinguishes between the people of truth—the rightly guided believers who set things right and perform good deeds—and the people of falsehood—the disbelievers who go astray, spread corruption and commit evil deeds. He, Exalted is He, says:

“Do those who commit evil deeds think that We will make them like those who believe and do righteous deeds, equal in their life and death? How evil is their judgment!”

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“Or shall We treat those who believe and do righteous deeds like those who spread corruption on earth? Or shall We treat the God-fearing like the wicked?”

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“Shall We then treat those who submit to Us like the criminals? What is the matter with you? How do you judge?”

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“The two groups are like one who is blind and deaf and one who sees and hears. Are the two alike? Will you not then take heed?”

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“What of one who devoutly worships during the hours of the night, prostrating and standing, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for his Lord’s mercy? Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only people of understanding take heed.”

And He, Exalted is He, says:

“The blind and the seeing are not equal, nor are darkness and light, nor shade and scorching heat. Nor are the living and the dead equal. Indeed, Allah makes whomever He wills hear, but you cannot make those in the graves hear. You are only a warner. Indeed, We have sent you with the truth as a bearer of good tidings and a warner.”

And He says: