transitively. One says, “This matter was bad,” meaning that it was reprehensible; one also says, “This grieved me.”

Regarding His words,

“But those who have earned evil deeds—the recompense of an evil deed is its like,”

Ibn ʿAbbās said: “They associated partners with Allah.” This is because He described them only in these terms; had they believed, they would have had good deeds. Likewise, when He said “earned an evil deed,” He mentioned no good deed. This parallels His words, exalted is He:

“For those who do good is the best reward.”

That is, they did what was good, namely what they were commanded to do. Similarly, “an evil deed” encompasses what is forbidden, and thus includes associating partners with Allah.