the Scripture.” [al-A'rāf 169]

Allah Most High also says:

“He is the One who made you successors on earth. Whoever disbelieves will bear the consequences of his disbelief. The disbelievers’ disbelief only makes them more detestable to their Lord, and their disbelief only increases their loss.” (39) [Fātir 39]

Allah Most High also says:

“Blame falls only on those who ask your permission to stay behind though they are wealthy. They are content to be with those who stay behind.” [al-Tawbah 93]

He also says:

“If Allah brings you back to a group of them and they ask your permission to go forth, say, ‘You shall never go forth with me, nor shall you ever fight an enemy alongside me. You were content to remain behind the first time, so remain with those who stay behind.’” [al-Tawbah 83]

For this reason, when al-Siddīq was addressed as “O successor to Allah,” he replied, “I am not the successor to Allah, but the successor to Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. That is sufficient for me.” Allah, however, glorified is He, is described as one who stands in another’s place and as a replacement for others. Thus, it is authentically reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to say: “O Allah, You are the companion on the journey, and You are the one who takes our place in caring for our families. O Allah, accompany us on