He also said:

“That He may cut off a faction of those who disbelieve, or overwhelm them so that they retreat in defeat. You have no share in the matter; whether He turns to them in mercy or punishes them—for they are truly wrongdoers.” [Āl ʿImrān 3:127–128]

And He said:

“Indeed, you do not guide whom you love; rather, Allah guides whom He wills, and He knows best those who accept guidance.” [Al-Qaṣaṣ 28:56]

Allah, exalted is He, has commanded us to obey His Messenger—peace and blessings be upon him and his household—saying:

“Whoever obeys the Messenger has certainly obeyed Allah.” [Al-Nisāʾ 4:80]

He likewise ordered us to follow him, declaring:

“Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.’” [Āl ʿImrān 3:31]

He further enjoined that we honor, revere, and support him, establishing for him rights set forth in His Book and in the sunnah of His Messenger, to the extent that He made it obligatory for him to be dearer to us than our own selves and families. He said:

“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves.” [Al-Aḥzāb 33:6]

And He said:

“Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your clans, the wealth you have acquired, the trade whose decline you fear, and the dwellings you cherish are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His path, then wait until Allah brings about His command.’” [Al-Tawbah 9:24]