And likewise, We have tested some people by means of others. That is, We have put them to trial with each other. The polytheists used to say to the Muslims, 'Are these the ones whom Allah has favored among us?' That is, He has bestowed upon them success in attaining the truth and what brings them happiness with Him, while we are the prominent ones and the leaders, and they are the slaves and the poor. This is a denial that those like them could be upon the truth and favored with goodness from among them. They also said, 'Has the reminder been sent down upon him from among us? If it were good, they would not have preceded us to it.' The meaning of testing them to say such things is that We have forsaken them. [The phrase 'We have forsaken them and they have been tested' is explained in this way according to the doctrine of the Mu'tazila: that Allah does not create evil. According to the Ahl al-Sunnah, He creates evil just as He creates good.] So they were tested, until their testing became the reason for this saying, because only one who is forsaken and tested would say such a thing. Is Allah not most knowing of the grateful? That is, Allah knows best who among them will have faith and gratitude and will be guided to faith, and who will persist in disbelief and be forsaken and prevented from guidance.