the non-Arab peoples likewise held them in veneration on that account, especially after the incident of the People of the Elephant. In the same way, other nations had once revered the Children of Israel when the signs that appeared among them became manifest.

The Children of Israel are the descendants of Israel, son of the Friend of Allah, while these are the descendants of Isaac, son of the Friend of Allah. Both peoples are among those concerning whom Allah promised Abraham in the Torah that He would single them out for a favor He granted to no one else. Hence the people of Mecca enjoyed honor because they lived beside the Sacred House and because they were the noblest branch of Ishmael’s progeny. Allah selected Kinana from the children of Ishmael, then chose Quraysh from Kinana, then chose Hashim from Quraysh, and finally chose Muhammad from the sons of Hashim. Yet the chiefs of that very lineage opposed him, just as the leaders of the Children of Israel had opposed the Messiah.

Both groups exchanged Allah’s favor for ingratitude and led their own people to the abode of ruin. Allah nevertheless protected His Messenger, the Messiah, from all who opposed him; their lineage and the prestige of their city proved of no benefit to them. Likewise, Allah protected Muhammad from his adversaries, took vengeance upon them, and their genealogies and the distinction of their city availed them nothing.

For Allah grants firmness through faith and piety, not through land or lineage. The Exalted said: