you would see a tremendous horror; explicitly stating the result clause therefore adds nothing to what is indicated . . . (1)

the inviolable—and this too draws attention to a point. If He swears by it when it contains what is lawful, then it is all the more worthy of veneration when it contains what is inviolable. Likewise, if residence is intended, it is the negative sense, so the meaning is the same. [He has sworn by “the fig and the olive” and “this secure city.” The clause expressing what the oath affirms is stated in His saying, exalted is He:

“We have certainly created man in hardship.”

This means struggling with the affairs of this world and the Hereafter.] (*)

Such struggle entails strength on the part of the one engaged in it, together with much activity and resourcefulness. He therefore says, exalted is He:

“Does he think that no one will ever have power over him?”

“He says, ‘I have squandered vast wealth.’”

“Does he think that no one has seen him?”

This person is of the same kind as those nations, and of the same kind as the one who said:

“My wealth has availed me nothing. My authority has vanished from me.”

He possesses strength with which to contend with difficulties, yet He destroyed every one of them. Does he nevertheless think that no one will have power over him and requite him for his deeds? Does he think that no one has seen the wealth he squandered and thus knows what he has done?

Requital is accomplished through power and knowledge; indeed, everything is accomplished through them. His declaration, exalted is He, that He is powerful and knowing carries a warning and a threat. For if He has power, requital is possible; and if He has knowledge, requital is possible: He assesses what a person has done with justice. Anyone who lacks power and knowledge cannot requite, for someone who has no power over a person cannot