before Allah, a source of rectitude for the one who performs it, and a virtuous deed in itself. When he carries it out, it becomes an even greater token of Allah’s beneficence toward him and His favor upon him. Indeed, the most exalted blessing Allah has ever granted His servants is that He has guided them to faith.

Faith consists of words and deeds; it increases through obedience and righteous actions, and every time a person multiplies his good works, his faith grows accordingly. This is the genuine favor mentioned in His words: “the path of those You have favored, not of those who have incurred wrath, nor of those who have gone astray” (Q 1:7), and again: “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger—such people will be with those whom Allah has favored” (Q 4:69).

As for purely worldly enjoyments that are unaccompanied by religion—whether they count as a divine favor or not—our scholars and others hold two famous opinions. The sound conclusion is that they are a favor in one respect, though not a complete favor in another. The favor of religion that ought to be sought, however, lies in everything Allah has commanded, whether obligatory or recommended. This is the good that all Muslims agree must be pursued, and it is the true blessing according to Ahl al-Sunnah, for they maintain that Allah Himself is the One who bestows the ability to perform righteous deeds. The Qadariyyah, by contrast, claim that He merely bestows the bare capacity to act, which can be directed toward either of two opposing ends.

What is intended here is: