And when the outcome of the two groups was that He manifested the fear of the disbelievers in the utmost security and concealed the security of the believers in the most disturbing fear, this was indeed the essence of kindness. For reaching something is by its opposite. It is said that the delivery of goodness to creation is in a manner that is subtle in its perception. What most delays a person in matters of religion is his concern for provision. This resulted in his saying: ﴿Allah﴾, meaning the One to whom belongs all command, so He does what He wills. ﴿Latif﴾, meaning subtle in the world and in the execution of kindness by delivering benefits and diverting harms in a manner that softens its perception. Al-Qushayri said: The Latif is the One who knows the subtleties of matters and their hidden aspects, and He is the One who is gentle and gracious. Both attributes in Him, glorified and exalted is He, are correct. Kindness is most often used to describe Him in relation to goodness in religious matters. Al-Razi said in Al-Lawa'ih: It is a name composed of knowledge, mercy, and subtle kindness. ﴿Bi'ibadih﴾ - this has ended.

As for the believer, it is clear. As for the disbeliever, the least of His kindness towards him is that He does not hasten his punishment in this world nor does He punish him beyond what he deserves in the Hereafter. Thus, the first name is a warning, and the second is an apparent reassurance, the essence of which is a warning. This indicates what should be of fear and hope, and that fear should prevail.

And when this description is most evident in provision, it expands for one who has no means and deprives one who is in utmost strength and ability. It raises the weak coward and lowers the strong brave, all according to what He knows of their inner states and increases their deeds. He indicated this by resuming the answer to the one who asked about the nature of kindness: ﴿Yarzuqu man yashāʾ﴾, whoever He wills, in a manner of abundance, scarcity, or moderation; there is no barrier for Him from any of that. And He prevents provision from whom He wills if He knows their time has ended, so He takes them to Him. Strive, therefore, to seek His pleasure, and do not pay attention to the fear of need, for He has completed the decree of provision and has prohibited exaggeration in seeking it.

And when this is something that no one can accomplish except Him due to the complete power and comprehensive might that He requires, He said: ﴿Wa huwa al-Qawiyy﴾, meaning His giving does not become restricted by anything. ﴿Al-Aziz﴾, meaning no one can prevent Him from anything.