, as well as “decree,” “writing,” “sending forth,” “sending,” and similar terms. All of these have both a universal, decretive sense and a religious, legislative sense.

The universal words are those from which neither the righteous nor the wicked can escape. These are the words through which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sought protection when he said:

“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah, whose bounds neither the righteous nor the wicked can overstep.”

Allah Most High says:

“His command, when He wills a thing, is only to say to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”

The religious words, by contrast, are the revealed scriptures, concerning which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Whoever fights so that the word of Allah is supreme is fighting in Allah’s cause.”

And He Most High says:

“And she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures.”

Likewise, the religious command is exemplified by His words, Most High:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners.”

The universal command is exemplified by:

“His command, when He wills a thing…”

Sending forth in the religious sense is exemplified by His words, Most High:

“It is He who sent forth among the unlettered a Messenger from among themselves.”

Sending forth in the universal sense is exemplified by:

“We sent forth against you servants of Ours.”

Sending in the religious sense is exemplified by His words:

“It is He who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth.”

And in the universal sense:

“Do you not see that We have sent the devils against the disbelievers, vehemently inciting them?”