What is meant here by “good” and “evil” is blessings and calamities. Elsewhere in the Quran, Allah likewise uses these terms for such things, as in His words:

“We tested them with prosperity and adversity.”

[Surah al-Arāf 168]

And His words:

“If good fortune befalls you, it grieves them; but if a calamity befalls you, they say, ‘We took our precautions beforehand,’ and turn away rejoicing.”

[Surah al-Tawbah 50]

For this reason, He said, “Whatever befalls you,” rather than, “whatever you do.” This was also the interpretation of the early Muslims. In the report of Abū Sālih (1) from Ibn Abbās, “good” means abundance (2) and rain, while “evil” means drought and high prices. According to al-Wālibī’s report from him, “good” means victory and spoils, while “evil” means defeat, wounds, and the like (3). In this report, he also said: “The good that befell you” refers to the victory Allah granted him on the day of Badr, while the evil refers to what befell him on the day of Uhud.

Ibn Qutaybah likewise said that “good” means spoils and blessings (4), while “evil” means affliction. This was also reported from Abū al-Āliyah. It was further reported from him that “good” means obedience and “evil” means disobedience.

This is how a group of later scholars understand the verse. They then differed among themselves. Those who affirm the divine decree said, “This is evidence for our position, because He—Glorified is He—said:

‘Say, “All is from Allah.”’

[Surah al-Nisā 78]”

Those who deny it said, “Rather, it is evidence for our position, because He said:

‘Whatever evil befalls you is from yourself.’

[Surah al-Nisā 79]”

The argument of each group demonstrates the error of the other’s position, and both views