Further support for this meaning is found in the Prophet’s words, peace be upon him, to Ibn ʿAbbās, may Allah be pleased with him:

“Know that if the entire community were to unite to benefit you, they could benefit you only with something Allah had already decreed for you. And if they were to unite to harm you, they could harm you only with something Allah had already decreed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”

Al-Tirmidhī said: “This is an authentic hadith.”

This shows that, in reality, none but Allah brings benefit or harm. The same applies to everything we have mentioned concerning what His lordship entails. Whoever follows this great path finds relief from servitude to created beings and from looking to them for help. He also spares others his blame and condemnation. His heart becomes devoted exclusively to Allah’s oneness, his faith grows stronger, his breast expands, and his heart is illuminated. Whoever puts his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him.

For this reason, al-Fudayl ibn ʿIyād, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Whoever understands people finds relief.” What he means—and Allah knows best—is that they can neither benefit nor harm.

As for hidden association of partners with Allah, scarcely anyone escapes it. An example is loving someone else alongside Allah. If, however, that love is for Allah—as in love for the prophets, the righteous, and righteous deeds—it does not fall into this category. Rather, such love demonstrates the reality of love: to love the beloved and what he loves, and to hate what he hates. Whoever is true in his love cannot act contrary to his beloved, for such opposition arises only from a deficiency in following him. Allah’s words, Most High, show that this indicates deficient love:

“Say: If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.”

The verse continues. This, then, is not the kind of love under discussion.