So, because of sin, the believer gains good deeds that he would not otherwise have gained. This decree is therefore good for him.

With regard to his sins, then, he faces one of two outcomes: either he repents and Allah accepts his repentance, so that he becomes one of those who constantly repent, whom Allah loves; or Allah expiates his sins through afflictions. Adversity befalls him, and he bears it patiently. Through those afflictions, Allah expiates his evil deeds, and through patience in bearing them, his ranks are raised. It is related in some hadiths:

“Allah Most High says: Those who remember Me are those who enjoy My company. Those who thank Me are those to whom I grant increase. Those who obey Me are those whom I honor. Those who disobey Me—I do not make them despair of My mercy. If they repent, I am their habīb”—that is, the One who loves them, for Allah loves those who constantly repent and those who purify themselves—“and if they do not repent, I am their physician: I test them with afflictions to expiate their faults.”

Among the lessons in His words, “is from yourself,” is that the servant should neither rely on himself nor feel secure in himself, for evil comes only from himself. Nor should he occupy himself with blaming or condemning people when they wrong him, for that is among the misfortunes that have befallen him, and they have befallen him only because of his sins. So he turns his attention to his sins, seeks forgiveness for them, and seeks refuge