This, then, is the true import of what these heretics say about Allah’s messengers, who are the best of creation, the most knowledgeable about Allah, and the greatest guides for His creatures—especially the Seal of the Prophets and the foremost of Adam’s descendants, who knows Allah better than anyone else, is the most sincere in counselling Allah’s servants, and is the most eloquent in explaining Allah’s guidance. May Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him and upon them all.

It is well known that anyone who describes something contrary to its true nature must have failed either in his knowledge, his intention, or his ability. He may be ignorant of the truth; or he may know it, yet have no intention of teaching those he addresses, guiding them, or explaining the matter to them—as is the case with those who practise scheming, deception, hypocrisy, and the like. Alternatively, his knowledge may be complete and his intention may be to explain, but he is unable to express himself clearly because of the limitations of his expression and his inability to provide a fully clear explanation.

An action becomes impossible through a lack of knowledge, ability, or will. But if the person acting wills the action, is capable of it, and knows what he intends, his desired outcome must necessarily follow.

It is well known that Muhammad, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, is the most knowledgeable of all creation about Allah, His oneness, His names and attributes, His angels, the return to Him, and other such matters of the unseen. He is also the most eager of all creation to teach and guide people, as Allah Most High says:

“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; he is deeply concerned for you, and to the believers he is kind and merciful.”

[Al-Tawbah: 128].

Thus, his intense concern for their guidance caused him great anguish when they did not