are greater in rank in Allah’s sight, and it is they who will triumph.”

“Their Lord gives them good news of mercy from Him, His pleasure, and Gardens”—the verse continues.

Allah Most High also says:

“O you who believe, shall I guide you to a bargain that will save you from a painful punishment?”

“Believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in Allah’s cause with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if only you knew.”

“He will forgive your sins and admit you into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of everlasting residence. That is the supreme triumph.”

“And another blessing you love: help from Allah and an imminent victory. Give good news to the believers.”

“O you who believe, be supporters of Allah, as Jesus, son of Mary, said to the disciples, ‘Who will support me in Allah’s cause?’ The disciples said, ‘We are supporters of Allah.’ A group of the Children of Israel believed, while another group disbelieved. We then supported those who believed against their enemy, and they prevailed.”

After the verses on striving, He mentioned the revelation of the Book to Allah’s Messenger so that he might judge between people according to what Allah had shown him, together with His prohibition against acting otherwise. He reminded him of Allah’s grace and mercy toward him in protecting him and safeguarding him against people leading him astray, and in teaching him what he did not know. He condemned those who oppose the Messenger and follow a path other than that of the believers. He stressed the gravity and grave danger of associating partners with Allah, and that Allah does not forgive it, but forgives lesser sins for whomever He wills—before explaining that the best religion is that of one who worships Allah alone, associating nothing with Him, provided that his worship consists in performing the good deeds He has prescribed