The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to bring all these matters together in prayer. It is authentically reported that, when he raised his head from bowing, he would say:

“Our Lord, to You belongs all praise, filling heaven, filling the earth, filling all that lies between them, and filling whatever else You will. You are worthy of praise and glory—the most fitting words a servant can utter, and we are all Your servants.”

This is praise, which is gratitude to Allah Most High, and a declaration that praising Him is the most fitting thing a servant can say. He would then say:

“O Allah, none can withhold what You give, and none can give what You withhold; nor can the good fortune of the fortunate avail them against You.”

This affirms His oneness: His oneness in lordship—in creation, decree, origination, and guidance. He alone gives and withholds: none can withhold what He gives, and none can give what He withholds. It also affirms His sole right to worship—in legislation, commands, and prohibitions. This means that even if people are granted dominion, greatness, good fortune, and leadership, whether outwardly or inwardly—as with those who experience unveilings and exercise extraordinary powers—

“the good fortune of the fortunate cannot avail them against You.”

That is, a person’s good fortune, greatness, and wealth cannot save or deliver him from Your questioning and reckoning. Hence he said, “cannot avail him against You,” rather than, “cannot avail him with You.” Had the latter been said, it might have suggested that although these things do not bring him nearer to You, they might not harm him either. The fortunate person might then say: “If I escape punishment in the Hereafter, I do not care”—like those who