with clear proofs and with what you mentioned.”

The Most High says:

“If they deny you, those before them also denied: their messengers came to them with clear proofs, scriptures, and the enlightening Book.” [35:25]

Even the signs granted to Hūd were among the less apparent signs of the messengers, so much so that his people said to him, “O Hūd, you have not brought us any clear proof.” Yet his proof was among the clearest. He pointed to it when he said:

“I call Allah to witness, and you too bear witness, that I am free of whatever you associate with Him besides Him. So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but He holds it by its forelock. Indeed, my Lord is on a straight path.” [11:54]

This is among the greatest signs: a single man addressing a mighty nation in these terms, without anxiety, fear, or weakness, but with complete confidence and certainty in what he says. First, he called Allah to witness that he was free of their religion and their practices, as one who trusts in Him and relies upon Him, making known to his people that Allah, glorified is He, was his Protector and Helper and would not give them power over him. Then he called them to witness, openly declaring his opposition to them: he was free of their religion and their gods, for whose sake they formed alliances and enmities, and in whose defence they sacrificed their lives and wealth. He then reinforced this declaration by showing how little he feared them, regarding them with contempt and disdain: they could all unite to plot against him and vent their rage upon him, then strike at once without granting him any respite. Implicit in this was that they were too weak, powerless, and insignificant to accomplish it: if they attempted it, they would retreat in their rage, thwarted and forsaken.

He then established his message in the strongest manner, explaining that his Lord Most High—their Lord too, who held their forelocks in His hand—was his Protector, the One to whom he had entrusted his affairs, who would support and strengthen him, and that He was on a straight path. Thus, He does not forsake anyone who puts his trust in Him and believes in Him, nor does He give his enemies cause to gloat over him or side with them against him. The straight path He follows in His words and deeds precludes and rules out such conduct.

Implicit in these words is that part of His straight path is to exact retribution from those who depart from it and act contrary to it, and to bring His punishment upon them. For the straight path is the justice to which the Lord Most High adheres. This includes His retribution against the people of polytheism and wickedness, and His granting victory to