someone he follows in contravention of this has a share in this condemnation. Allah Most High says:

“We have enjoined upon man care for his parents. His mother carried him in weakness upon weakness.”

And the passage continues as far as His words:

“But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. Yet keep their company courteously in this world, and follow the way of those who turn to Me.”

Then He addresses mankind, telling them to eat what is lawful and good on earth and not to follow Satan’s footsteps in contravention of this. Satan commands only evil and indecency, and that they say about Allah what they do not know, declaring, “This is forbidden and that is lawful,” or making other statements about Allah without knowledge, concerning matters of fact and conduct. As Allah Most High says:

“Do not falsely declare with your tongues, ‘This is lawful and that is forbidden.’”

Then, when these people who speak about Allah without knowledge are told:

“Follow what Allah has revealed,” they say, “Rather, we follow what we found our fathers following.”

They have no knowledge; they merely follow their predecessors, adhering to what they have grown accustomed to and been brought up upon.

Then He addresses the believers specifically, saying:

“O you who believe, eat of the good things We have provided for you, and give thanks to Allah, if it is Him that you worship.”

“He has forbidden you only carrion, blood, the flesh of swine, and that over which a name other than Allah’s has been invoked.”

Thus, He commands them to eat the good things He has provided for them, because they are the intended recipients of His provision. Here He does not stipulate that it be lawful