and has further urged following him and emulating him, warned against contravening his command, declared that obedience to the Messenger is obedience to Himself, and made guidance dependent on obeying him. Thus the Almighty says, “Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah” (4:80); and He says, “If you obey him, you will be guided” (24:54); and He says, “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it. Fear Allah—truly Allah is severe in punishment” (59:7); and He says, “Let those who oppose his command beware, lest a trial befall them or a painful punishment overtake them” (24:63); and He says, “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a most excellent model for anyone who hopes in Allah and the Last Day” (33:21).

Among the ways of offering sincere counsel to the Muslim leaders and the general public is to teach them what they do not know of their religion. Part of that is instructing them that letting the beard grow is obligatory, whereas shaving, trimming, or plucking it is forbidden.

As for unbelievers advising one another about their religious or worldly concerns, that is in no way part of our religion. The same applies to unbelievers advising Muslims: it is not, in itself, a religious act, though rational people still consider it a good and praiseworthy deed.

As for his statement, “They overlook the fact that Islam is nothing but a collection of love, affection, and virtues,” and the rest of his words—