The fourth principle: whenever an indefinite noun appears in a context of negation, prohibition, condition, or interrogation, it carries a meaning of universality.

Allah says, “Worship Allah alone and do not associate anything with Him” (al-Nisāʾ 4:36). The prohibition here extends to every type of shirk—intentional, verbal, or practical; major or minor; hidden or manifest. Therefore, the servant must never set up for Allah any rival or partner in any respect.

A similar verse reads: “So do not set up rivals to Allah” (al-Baqarah 2:22).

And regarding the Day of Resurrection He says, “The Day when no soul will possess anything for another soul” (al-Infirār 82:19). This includes every soul: none will have power to convey the slightest benefit to, or ward off the least harm from, any other soul, no matter the relationship between them.

Allah also states, “If Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He; and if He intends good for you, none can repel His bounty” (Yūnus 10:107). Any harm Allah decrees for a person is beyond the ability of any created being—whoever he may be—to lift in any way. The utmost that created causes and medicines can achieve is but one small part among the many elements encompassed by Allah’s decree and predestination.

He further says, “Whatever mercy Allah opens up for people, no one can withhold; and whatever He withholds, none can release thereafter” (Fāṭir 35:2), and, “Whatever blessing you enjoy is from Allah” (al-Naḥl 16:53). These verses cover every good found within the servant or that reaches him, every favor that brings about a desired benefit or averts an unwanted harm. Allah alone brings all of this into being.

And He says, “Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the heaven and the earth? There is no deity except Him” (Fāṭir 35:3),