(1) Note: Abu al-Abbas al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes: “The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, narrated this entire hadith to his Companions only to strengthen their resolve in the face of the harm, pain and hardships they were enduring, so that they might emulate the young boy’s patience, his firmness upon the truth, his steadfast adherence to it, and his willingness to sacrifice himself to make his call manifest—despite his youth—and so that they might see how many people entered the religion through him because of his extraordinary perseverance. Likewise, the monk remained steadfast upon the truth until he was sawn in half. Many others, once they believed in Allah and faith took firm root in their hearts, endured being cast into the fire and never recanted their religion. All of this exceeds what was inflicted on the believers among the Prophet’s Companions, for none of them experienced anything comparable; Allah protected them, intending to honour His religion and make His word prevail. Nonetheless, I affirm that Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is the strongest of the prophets in devotion to Allah, and his Companions are the strongest followers of any prophet. Many of them were tried with killing, crucifixion and severe torture, yet they paid no heed to any of it. The story of Asim, Khubayb and their companions suffices, as well as what the Companions faced in battles—ordeal, captivity, burning and the like. Indeed, they offered their lives and wealth for Allah’s sake, leaving behind their homes and children, until they made Allah’s religion triumphant and fulfilled the covenant they had made with Him. Allah therefore rewarded them with the best recompense and granted them a full share of the reward for everyone who entered Islam through their efforts.” Al-Mufhim, 7/426.