“Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. If you turn away, he is responsible only for what he has been charged with, and you are responsible for what you have been charged with. If you obey him, you will be guided. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message clearly.’”

“Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. If” you comply, that will be your good fortune and happiness (1). But if “you turn away, he is responsible only for what he has been charged with”—namely, delivering the message, which he has duly done.

“And you are responsible for what you have been charged with”—namely, obedience. Your condition has become manifest and evident, and thus your misguidance, waywardness, and deserving of punishment have also become clear. “If you obey him, you will be guided” to the straight path, ⦗573⦘ in word and deed. There is no path to guidance for you except through obedience to him; without it, guidance is impossible—indeed, inconceivable.

“The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message clearly.” That is, to convey it to you with such clarity that no one is left with any doubt or uncertainty. He (peace and blessings be upon him) has done so and has conveyed the message clearly. It is Allah Most High alone who will call you to account and repay you. The Messenger has no part in the matter, and he has fulfilled his duty.