and from the evil of Satan and the polytheism to which he calls, and from committing evil against myself or bringing it upon a Muslim.’” Thus, he seeks forgiveness for what has passed and refuge from what lies ahead, and so joins the ranks of the blessed. When he knows that good—both the deed and its reward—comes from Allah, he asks Him for help in doing good deeds, saying:

“You alone we worship, and You alone we ask for help.”

And:

“Guide us to the straight path.”

And:

“Our Lord, do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us.”

And other supplications of this kind.

But if it is stated only that everything comes from Allah, without mentioning the distinction, this places the two on an equal footing. The disobedient sinner then turns away from blaming himself, repenting of his sins, and seeking refuge from the evil of his own soul. Indeed, he becomes inclined to invoke divine decree as an argument against Allah. That is an invalid argument which does him no good; rather, it only increases his torment and misery, just as it did for Satan when he said:

“Because You have led me astray, I will surely lie in wait for them on Your straight path.”

And he said:

“My Lord, because You have led me astray, I will surely make evil alluring to them on earth, and I will lead them all astray.”

Likewise are those who will say on the Day of Resurrection, “If only Allah had guided me, I would have been among