that arose about the Qur’an—so much so that even his own wives would query him. ʿĀʾishah, for example, challenged him when he said, “Whoever is called to a detailed reckoning will be punished.” She cited Allah’s words, “Soon he shall receive an easy reckoning” (84:8). He replied, “That is merely the presentation of the deeds.”

Hafsah likewise questioned him when he declared, “No one who pledged allegiance beneath the tree shall enter Hell.” She reminded him of the verse, “There is none of you but will pass over it” (19:71). He answered her, “Have you not heard Allah’s words, ‘Then We shall deliver those who were mindful’ (19:72)?”

ʿUmar also remonstrated with him about the verse, “You shall surely enter the Sacred Mosque, God willing, in security” (48:27), during the year of Ḥudaybiyyah, after the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—had agreed with the idolaters to turn back that year. Abū Bakr then said to him what the Prophet himself had said: “Did he tell you that you would enter it this year?” “No,” ʿUmar replied. Abū Bakr said, “Then you will indeed enter it and perform ṭawāf around it.”