one another, as we have discussed in detail elsewhere.

For example, the Almighty says:

“Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is mindful of Him—it is they who are the successful.” (Surah al-Nur 24:52)

Thus, obedience is due to Allah and His Messenger, whereas fear and taqwā (god-consciousness) are owed to Allah alone.

He, Exalted be He, also says:

“If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger had given them and had said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us. Allah will grant us of His bounty, and so will His Messenger. Indeed, to Allah we turn with longing.’” (Surah al-Tawbah 9:59)

Here, the act of giving is attributed to Allah and His Messenger, while turning with longing is directed to Allah alone.

He further says:

“Whatever the Messenger gives you—take it; and whatever he forbids you—abstain from it.” (Surah al-Hashr 59:7)

For the lawful is what Allah and His Messenger declare lawful, and the unlawful is what Allah and His Messenger declare unlawful. As for sufficiency (ḥasb), it belongs to Allah alone, as in His statement:

“They said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us.’” (Surah al-Tawbah 9:59)

He did not say, “Allah and His Messenger are sufficient for us.”

And He says:

“O Prophet, Allah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.” (Surah al-Anfal 8:64)

That is, Allah suffices for you and suffices for those believers who follow you.