—once the signs demonstrating that it had truly been sent down were manifest. For this reason the Exalted One, in the Meccan sūrahs, repeatedly strengthens the case of the messengers: He recounts their miracles, their proofs, and the fine outcome granted to them, while also depicting the misguidance of their opponents, their ignorance, their deviance, their abandonment, and the wretched end that befell them—lessons for all who would take heed.

Yet there are people who, in a general sense, acknowledge the messengers but do not believe in what is obligatory concerning the reality of their being sent—such as the heretics and the innovators who outwardly revere the prophets while inwardly holding views that contradict part of what the prophets brought. Doubts have taken root in their hearts which they imagine to be rational sciences, though they clash with the reports conveyed by the messengers. Consequently, they feel compelled to reconcile the two.

These resemble those of whom Allah said:

“Have you not seen those who claim that they believe in what was sent down to you and what was sent down before you, yet they wish to seek judgment from the false judge (ṭāghūt) even though they were commanded to reject him? Satan only wants to lead them far astray.” (Qur’an 4:60) (60)

“When it is said to them, ‘Come to what Allah has sent down and to the Messenger,’ you see the hypocrites turn away from you in aversion.” (4:61) (61)

“So how will it be when disaster strikes them on account of what their own hands have sent ahead, and they come to you swearing by Allah, ‘We only intended good and reconciliation’?” (4:62) (62)

“Those are the ones whose secrets Allah knows. So turn away from them, admonish them, and speak to them an effective word about themselves.” (4:63) (63)

Allah has also informed us that He has appointed for the prophets enemies from among humankind and the jinn. He, the Exalted, said: