and His Messenger, and to turning away from obedience to Allah and His Messenger, as in His words: “None shall burn in it except the most wretched—he who denied and turned away—whereas the most God-fearing will be kept far from it, he who gives his wealth to purify himself” ⦗al-Shams 15-18⦘; and: “Indeed, it has been revealed to us that punishment is for whoever denies and turns away” ⦗Tā Hā 48⦘.

In the same way, He sets out the causes of provision: holding fast to the obedience of Allah and His Messenger, making a noble effort across the land while remaining mindful of Him, as He says: “Whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he could never imagine” ⦗at-Ṭalāq 2-3⦘; and by patiently awaiting relief and sustenance, as in: “Allah will bring about ease after hardship” ⦗at-Ṭalāq 7⦘; and through abundant remembrance and seeking forgiveness: “Seek forgiveness from your Lord, then repent to Him; He will grant you a pleasant provision for a stated term and will bestow His bounty on everyone of merit” ⦗Hud 3⦘, and: “So I said, ‘Seek forgiveness from your Lord—surely He is ever Forgiving; He will send down upon you rain in abundance’” ⦗Nūḥ 10-11⦘.

He makes it clear, then, that seeking forgiveness is a means by which Allah’s pardon, provision, and goodness are drawn down, whereas neglecting it brings about poverty and an easy path to hardship.

The examples of this principle are many; now that you know its course, hold fast to it.