As for the words, “and his voice is not heard in the market-places,” this means that he was not among those who shout and bellow in the bazaars in pursuit of worldly profit and out of greed for it, as is the custom of those whose hearts are set on this life.

Regarding the phrase, “a pillar for the humble”: whoever studies his biography will find him the most humble of all people toward young and old, the poor, the widow, the freeborn, and the slave alike. He would sit with them on the bare earth, accept their invitations, listen attentively to what they said, walk with any one of them to see to his need, and secure for him his right from someone he himself was unable to confront—he would even mend his own sandal and stitch his own cloak (1).

The statement, “He is Allah’s light, which can neither be extinguished nor subdued until the proof is established on earth and every excuse is cut off,” corresponds exactly to his reality and mission, and to what the Quran affirms in many places, such as:

“They wish to extinguish Allah’s light with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, even though the disbelievers detest it.” [Al-Tawbah 9:32]

“O Prophet, We have indeed sent you as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner; and as one who calls to Allah by His permission, and as an illuminating lamp.” [Al-Ahzab 33:45-46]

“There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book; by it Allah guides those who seek His pleasure to the paths of peace…” [Al-Ma’idah 5:15-16]

“O mankind, a decisive proof has come to you from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.” [Al-Nisaʾ 4:174]

“So those who believe in him, honor him, support him, and follow the light that was sent down with him—it is they who will prosper.” [Al-Aʿraf 7:157]

Verses of this purport are many throughout the Quran.