this by these words? Is this interpretation not of the same kind as that of the extremist Qarmatians, who interpret His words, “And He is the Most High, the Most Great” (255), as referring to ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib? Indeed, that interpretation is more plausible, since all it amounts to is placing ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib in the same category as the Messiah, son of Mary. Although this doctrine is among the gravest forms of unbelief and misguidance, it is held by a vast multitude of mankind: the Christians and those who follow them in affirming divine indwelling and union.

The word al-‘Alī (“the Most High”) points more clearly to ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib than His words,

“And your Lord comes with the angels, rank upon rank.” (22) [al-Fajr 22]

point to his Lord being one of the angels. If it is permissible to call one of the angels “Muhammad’s Lord” because he raised him—even though it is known that none of the angels raised Muhammad—then calling ‘Alī “the Most High, the Most Great” on account of his lofty standing and greatness is more plausible.

The second example is his statement interpreting His words:

“Are they waiting for anything but that