The second category [of mankind] are those who directly oppose the worship of Allāh and seeking His aid. They do not worship, nor do they seek aid [in any matter].

Rather, if one of them was to make a request or seek aid it would only be for their own affluence or desires. They do not perform that which is pleasing to their Lord nor do they address His rights. For the denizens of the heavens and the earth invoke the Exalted, be it His close allies or His enemies. This [party] stretches forth their hands [in invocation] just as the other [party] does.

The most hated among His creations is His enemy Iblīs. Despite this, he [Iblīs] sought his need from Allāh. So He granted it to him and allowed him to enjoy it [for a time]. However, due to his request not being rooted in the seeking of Allāh’s aid in the performing of that which is pleasing to Him, the granting of his request represented only an increase in his depravity and wretchedness. A further means by which he was driven further away from Allāh, truly cast out. Likewise, all those who seek a matter from Him that in no way increases in His obedience, will find themselves increasingly distanced from that which is pleasing to Him, inevitably cutting themselves off from Him.¹

Endnotes:

1. al-Tafsīr al-Qayyim: 69

Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī