And it does not mean that Allah and the believers together are sufficient for you, as some mistakenly suppose. He alone suffices His Prophet; He is sufficient for him, and no one shares with Him in sufficing the Messenger. This linguistic construction is like the poet’s words:

“A sword of Indian steel suffices for you and al-Dahhāk.”

The Arabs also say: “A dirham suffices for you and Zayd,” meaning that one dirham suffices for both of you.

Regarding fear, reverent awe, and mindfulness of Allah, He says:

“Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, fears Allah and is mindful of Him—it is they who will triumph.”

Thus, He affirms obedience to both Allah and the Messenger, but reserves reverent awe and mindfulness for Allah alone. Likewise, Noah, peace be upon him, said:

“Indeed, I am a clear warner to you.”

“Worship Allah, be mindful of Him, and obey me.”

He therefore directs worship and mindfulness to Allah alone, and obedience to the Messenger; for whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah.

Allah Most High says:

“So do not fear people, but fear Me.”

Allah Most High also says:

“So do not fear them, but fear Me, if you are believers.”

Abraham, the close friend of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

“How could I fear what you associate with Allah, while you do not fear associating with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority to you? Which of the two parties has more right to security, if you know?”

“Those who believe and do not mix their faith with wrongdoing—it is they who will have security, and they are rightly guided.”

In the two Sahīh collections, Ibn Masʿūd is reported to have said: When this verse was revealed, it troubled the Companions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and they said: “Which of us has not wronged himself?”