One cannot plausibly claim that the sheer power of a human being—or even his righteous deeds—has, by itself, brought about the people’s love, praise, and prayers for him, or secured for him the reward of the Hereafter. Rather, those things are merely causes through which Allah, by His will and power, brings about what He creates in the hearts of His servants—angels, jinn, and human beings—of actions they perform by the choice and ability He Himself bestows. Supplication, therefore, is a cause for an answer, and righteous deeds are a cause for recompense. Allah the Exalted says:

“When My servants ask you about Me, indeed I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me so that they may be rightly guided.” (Q 2:186)

Thus He commanded them to respond to Him and to believe that He answers their prayers; their response and obedience are a cause for their reward, just as supplication is a cause for their plea to be answered.

Consider also what occurred after the death of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Allah safeguarded the Book he brought, preserving it for centuries despite the vast numbers of the ummah and its dispersion across East and West. The Book remains intact, and the Sacred Law remains preserved. This is a miraculous matter, wholly beyond human capability. No revealed law has endured for so long except the law of Moses. As for the kings and philosophers, the statutes they devise survive only briefly; lasting for such spans of time while the Book remains protected is granted only to the prophets.

Add to this what Allah has placed, generation after generation, in people’s hearts of love, veneration, and certain knowledge of the Prophet’s exalted rank and lofty station—without any coercer compelling hearts to such recognition, and despite the sound intellects of those who observe. Everyone acquainted with the histories of nations knows that the community of Muhammad is the most complete of all communities.