for reasons of religion, while the command to show kindness and benevolence concerns goodwill extended on the basis of kinship, neighborliness, or common humanity—provided this does not compromise one’s faith.
Another instance: in some verses He states that Allah created the earth and then turned to the sky, fashioning them into seven heavens; in others, after speaking of the creation of the heavens, He says that thereafter He spread out the earth. This latter verse explains the intent: the creation of the earth came first, then, once Allah had created the heavens, He spread out the earth and placed in it the benefits its inhabitants require.
Likewise, He sometimes affirms that He is All-Knowing of everything, and at other times specifies His knowledge as attached to certain deeds or particular states of His servants. This second form carries an added implication: it signals recompense for that deed, whether good or evil, and thus combines the universality of His knowledge with both encouragement and warning.
A further example is the command to wage jihad, which appears in many verses, while in other verses believers are instructed to refrain from fighting and remain at peace. The latter were revealed when the Muslims lacked strength and had no ability to fight; the former came once they had grown strong and warfare had become the very path of benefit and the means of suppressing the enemy.
Yet another case: at times He ascribes events to the immediate causes through which they occur, and at other times He ascribes them to His all-encompassing decree, stating that everything happens by His will and volition. Together, these two aspects affirm tawḥīd (pure monotheism)—the Creator’s uniqueness in bringing events into existence by His power and will—while also affirming causes and their effects, commanding what is loved, forbidding what is detested, and permitting what is neutral. From this the believer learns diligence in employing beneficial means, careful scrutiny, constant awareness of Allah’s favor in every circumstance, and that he should not rely on himself in any matter.