the liar.” Those who incurred wrath and those who went astray were never included among those who were favored such that they would need to be excluded. Rather, He made clear that the former are distinct from the latter, just as the truthful man is distinct from the liar.

Allah, Most High, also said:

“Whoever Allah guides is truly guided; but whoever He causes to stray, you will never find for him a guiding protector.”

[Surah al-Kahf: 17]

This indicates that everyone whom Allah guides is guided. Had He guided the disbeliever as He guided the believer, the disbeliever would have been guided.

The Intimate Friend said:

“My Lord, make me one who establishes prayer, and likewise some of my descendants. Our Lord, accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents.”

[Surah Ibrāhīm: 40–41]

Thus, it became clear that He—Glorified is He—is the One who makes him one who establishes prayer.

[And Allah, Most High, said:

“We made from among them leaders who guided by Our command when they remained steadfast.”] (1)

[Surah al-Anbiyāʾ: 73].

And Allah, Most High, said:

“We made them leaders who call to the Fire.”

[Surah al-Qasas: 41]

Thus, He is the One who made the former leaders of guidance and the latter leaders of misguidance.

And Allah, Most High, said:

“It was by mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them.”

[Surah Āl Imrān: 159]

He thereby made clear that his gentleness was by mercy from Allah.

The people of Paradise will say:

“All praise belongs to Allah, who guided us to this. We would never have been guided had Allah not guided us. The messengers of our Lord certainly came with the truth.”

[Surah al-Aʿrāf: 43].

And when Allah, Most High, mentioned the prophets, He said:

“And from among their forefathers, descendants, and brothers, We chose them and guided them to a straight path. That is Allah’s guidance, by which He guides whomever He wills of His servants. Had they associated partners with Him, all their deeds would have come to nothing.”

Up to His words: