Furthermore, He mentions in the verse “the Lord of humankind,” “the Sovereign of humankind,” and “the God of humankind.” If the intent is that people should seek refuge in their Lord, Sovereign, and God from the evil of whatever whispers in their breasts, then it is He from whom they seek the good that benefits them and protection against the evil that harms them. Whispering is the root of every evil that harms them, for it is the starting point of disbelief, wickedness, and disobedience.

The Lord’s punishments are only for their sins. If a person has no sin, everything that befalls him is a blessing for him. If he is tried with something painful, Allah raises his rank and rewards him—assuming a complete absence of sins. This, however, is not their actual condition, for every child of Adam sins, and the best of those who sin are those who repent. The Most High has said:

“But man undertook it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant.”

“So that Allah may punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the polytheists, men and women, and turn in mercy to the believers, men and women.”

Thus, repentance is the ultimate goal of believers, from the prophets to those below them. Allah Most High said:

“Then Adam received words from his Lord, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, He is the Accepter of repentance, the Most Merciful.”

Noah said:

“My Lord, I seek refuge in You from asking You for that of which I have no knowledge. Unless You forgive me and have mercy on me, I will be among the losers.”

Abraham and Ishmael said:

“Our Lord, make us both submissive to You, and from our descendants a community submissive to You. Show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, You are the Accepter of repentance, the Most Merciful.”

Moses said:

“You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy on us. You are the best of those who forgive.”

Our Prophet’s supplications of this kind are numerous and well known.