by it, that is only part of what is meant. Allah does not love transgressors in anything, whether in supplication or otherwise, as He, Exalted is He, says:

“And do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not love the transgressors.”

On this understanding, He commands people to supplicate to Him and worship Him, and declares that He does not love those who transgress—those who invoke others alongside Him. These are the most grievous transgressors, for the greatest transgression is associating partners with Allah: directing worship where it does not belong. This transgression must therefore be included in His words, Exalted is He:

“Indeed, He does not love the transgressors.”

Another form of transgression is to supplicate to Him without humble entreaty, like someone who considers himself free of need and presumes upon his Lord. This is among the gravest forms of transgression, because it is contrary to the supplication of one who humbles himself. Whoever does not ask as a needy person would, humbly and fearfully, is a transgressor.

Another form of transgression is to worship Him in ways He has not prescribed, and to praise Him in terms He has neither used in praising Himself nor authorized. This is transgression in invoking Him through praise and worship, just as one may transgress in supplication through asking and requesting.

On this understanding, the verse points to two things:

“First”: something beloved to the Lord, Glorified is He—supplication with humble entreaty and in private.

“Second”: something He hates and is displeased with—transgression. He thus commands and encourages what He loves, and warns against and forbids what He hates, using the most emphatic means of restraint and warning