for I am fully aware of what you do. And, indeed, this community of yours is one single community, and I am your Lord, so be mindful of Me. Yet they split their affair among themselves into factions; each party exulting in what it possessed.

[The prophets are unanimously superior to the saints]

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The predecessors of this nation, its leading scholars, and all the friends of Allah agree that the prophets are superior to the saints who are not prophets. Allah has placed His blessed, fortunate servants in four ranks:

“Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger will be with those upon whom Allah has bestowed His favor—the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous. How excellent are such companions!”

[The best person after the prophets is Abu Bakr]

In the hadith it is stated: “The sun has neither risen nor set upon anyone, after the prophets and messengers, who is better than Abu Bakr.”

The finest of all nations is the nation of Muhammad ﷺ. The Exalted says: “You are the best nation ever brought forth for mankind,” and He also says: “Then We caused those among Our servants whom We had chosen to inherit the Book.”