“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are stern against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking bounty from Allah and His good pleasure. Their mark is upon their faces from the effect of prostration. That is their description in the Torah; and their description in the Gospel is like a seed that puts forth its shoot, then strengthens it, so it grows thick and stands firm upon its stalk, delighting the sowers, so that through them He may enrage the disbelievers. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness and a tremendous reward.” (29)

“He is the One Who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth, so that He may make it prevail over every religion. And sufficient is Allah as a Witness”—that you are a truthful Prophet in what you relate.

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”: the statement ends here. This was said by Ibn Abbas. Allah testified that he is His Messenger, then began anew: “And those who are with him.” The conjunction here introduces a new statement; that is, those believers who are with him are “stern against the disbelievers”: harsh toward them, like a lion toward its prey, showing them no tenderness; “merciful among themselves”: sympathetic and affectionate, each of them