in the very terms foretold by the Messiah. Such a figure can only be a human messenger, and in fact one greater than the Messiah; for Jesus made it clear that he would be able to do what the Messiah himself could not do, would know what the Messiah did not know, and would inform people of everything that is yet to come, as well as declare what is due to the Lord, when he said:
“I have much to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. Yet when the Spirit of Truth comes—the one who will guide you to all truth—he will not speak on his own authority; he will speak whatever he hears, will inform you of what is to come, and will make known to you everything that belongs to the Father.”
These qualities fit no one but Muhammad—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. To speak of Allah, of His attributes, His angels, His Dominion, and of what Allah has prepared in Paradise for His friends and in the Fire for His enemies is a matter too weighty for many minds to grasp in detail. For that reason ʿAlī, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
“Address people with what they already understand and leave aside what they would reject. Do you want Allah and His Messenger to be denied?”
Ibn Masʿūd said: “No man should relate a report to a people that their minds cannot take in …”