refrains from what is forbidden, except for an act of refraining that occurs within him.

Likewise, one who fails to perform what is commanded is punished only for an act of refraining that occurs within him: the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commands him to act, but he refuses. This refusal is something positively existent. Thus, he occupies himself with the opposite of what he was commanded to do, just as he occupies himself with worshipping others instead of worshipping Allah alone. He is punished for that.

Hence, everyone who does not worship Allah alone must necessarily worship someone else. By worshipping another, he associates partners with Allah. There is no third category among the children of Adam: a person either worships Allah alone, associates partners with Him, or mixes the two, as do those among the religious communities who have altered their faith—the Christians and the misguided people professing Islam who resemble them. Allah Most High says:

“So when you recite the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed. Indeed, he has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who, through him, associate others with Allah.”

The Most High also says:

“Indeed, you have no authority over My servants, except those of the wayward who follow you.”

When Iblīs said:

“I will surely make things on earth attractive to them, and I will surely lead them all astray, except Your chosen servants among them,”

the Most High said:

“Indeed, you have no authority over My servants, except those of the wayward who follow you.”

Thus, Iblīs does not lead Allah’s chosen servants astray, nor does he have authority over them. His authority is only over the wayward: those who take him as an ally and who, through him, associate others with Allah.