Shaykh al-Islam said:

His words,

“Whatever good befalls you is from Allah,”

and the rest of the verse, follow His words:

“All is from Allah.”

Had He mentioned only their common source, the sinner would turn away from blaming himself, repenting of sin, and seeking refuge from its evil. Iblīs’s argument would take root in his heart, only causing him to be driven further away, just as it increased the polytheists in misguidance when they said:

“If Allah had willed, we would not have associated partners with Him.”

Had He mentioned only the distinction between them, they would lose sight of Allah’s oneness, belief in divine decree, and turning to Allah for guidance. Thus, in his sermon, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“All praise is due to Allah. We praise Him, seek His help, and ask His forgiveness.”

One thus thanks Him, seeks His help in obeying Him, asks His forgiveness for disobeying Him, and praises Him for His goodness.

Then he said:

“And we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our own souls,”

and so on. Having sought forgiveness for sins, he sought refuge in Him from sins not yet committed.

Then he said:

“And from the evils of our deeds,”

meaning, from their punishments. Then he said:

“Whoever Allah guides, none can lead astray,”

and so on. This is a testimony that He governs His creation. It affirms the divine decree, which holds belief in Allah’s oneness together. All of this is a prelude to the two testimonies of faith, for they can only be truly realized through praising Allah, His help, seeking His forgiveness, and turning to Him,