—and the likeness of the prophets before me is that of a man who built a house, finishing it in every respect except for the place of a single brick. People began to walk round it, marvel at it, and say, “Why has that last brick not been set?” I am that brick.’ (1)

Now reflect on the Messiah’s words in this very prophecy: ‘That is wondrous in our eyes.’ Ponder as well his statement, ‘The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to another nation,’ and you will find it in perfect agreement with the Almighty’s words: ‘We wrote in the Psalms, after the Reminder: “My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.”’ (21:105)

Likewise with His saying: ‘Allah has promised those of you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession in the land just as He granted it to those before them; He will establish for them the religion He has chosen for them, and will replace their fear with security. They will worship Me alone, associating nothing with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that—such people are defiantly disobedient.’ (24:55)

Consider too his description of the Paraclete who was foretold: ‘He will disclose to you the hidden things and explain everything to you; for I come to you with parables, whereas he will come to you with the interpretation.’ How exactly this corresponds to reality in every respect, and to the Almighty’s words: ‘We have sent down to you the Book as a clarification of all things.’ (16:89)

And to His words: ‘It is not a tale invented; rather, it confirms what came before it, furnishes a detailed explanation of everything, and is guidance and mercy for a people who believe.’ (12:111)

If you examine the Torah, the Gospel, and the other scriptures, and then examine the Qur’an, you will find it to be the detailed exposition of their generalities, the interpretation of their parables, and the elucidation of their symbols. And this