“‘Indeed, upon Us is guidance’ means clarification. Al-Zajjāj said: ‘It is for Us to distinguish the way of guidance from the way of misguidance.’ This is also Qatādah’s view; he said: ‘It is for Allah to explain what He has made lawful and unlawful.’ Al-Farrā’ said: ‘It means that whoever follows guidance, his path leads to Allah, as in His words, “And upon Allah is the straight way.” That is, whoever seeks Allah is on the straight path.’ He said: ‘It has also been said that it means, “Indeed, upon Us are guidance and leading astray,” as in His words, “In Your hand is all good.”’”

I say: This is one of the newly introduced interpretations that were not known among the early generations, as are other interpretations of this kind. For they said that its meaning is: ‘In Your hand are good and evil,’ whereas the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, says in the authentic hadith:

“All good is in Your hands, and evil is not ascribed to You.”

Allah Most High is the Creator of everything—nothing occurs in His dominion except what He wills—and divine decree is true. Yet understanding the Quran, putting everything in its proper place, and explaining the Lord’s wisdom and justice while believing in divine decree is the way of the Companions and those who followed them in righteousness.

Al-Mahdawī mentioned the three interpretations, saying: “Indeed, upon Us is guidance