and He did not say “and all that is between them,” as He does when He says:

“Allah is the One who created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six days, then rose above the Throne. You have no protector or intercessor besides Him.”

Thus, He sometimes mentions “and all that is between them” among what He created in six days, and sometimes omits it, although it is still intended. When He mentions it, this serves to clarify and explain; when He does not, it is included in the expression “the heavens and the earth.”

Likewise, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, would sometimes say, “filling the heavens and filling the earth,” without saying “and all that is between them,” and sometimes he would say “and all that is between them.” All these narrations include “and filling whatever else You will.” Abū Saʿīd’s narration includes “The truest words a servant can say,” followed by the remainder of the supplication, while Ibn Abī Awfā’s narration includes “the supplication for purification from sins.”

This thus contains praise—the essence of gratitude—and seeking forgiveness. For our Lord is All-Forgiving, Most Appreciative. Praise corresponds to blessings, while seeking forgiveness corresponds to sins. This bears out His words, Most High:

“Whatever good befalls you is from Allah, and whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.”

Thus, the foremost supplication for forgiveness includes: “I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sin.” The hadith of Abū Saʿīd contains “praise—the essence of gratitude—and the affirmation of Allah’s oneness,” just as He combined the two in