and those that belong to Allah alone, as in His words, Most High:

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

He, glorified is He, thus explained that the Messenger is entitled to obedience, for whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. As for reverent fear and mindfulness, He reserved these for Himself alone. Likewise, He says:

“If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and had said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us. Allah will give us of His bounty, and so will His Messenger. Indeed, to Allah alone we turn in hope.’”

He thus attributed giving to both Allah and the Messenger, as in His words, Most High:

“Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you, refrain from it.”

As for reliance and turning in hope, these are for Allah alone, as in His words, Most High:

“And they said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us.’”

He did not say, “and His Messenger.” He also said:

“Indeed, to Allah alone we turn in hope.”

He did not say, “and to the Messenger.” This accords with His words, Most High:

“So when you have finished, strive, and to your Lord turn in hope.”

Worship, awe, reliance, supplication, hope and fear are therefore for Allah alone; no one shares in them with Him. As for obedience, love and seeking to please, we must obey Allah and His Messenger, love Allah and His Messenger, and seek to please Allah and His Messenger. For obedience to the Messenger is obedience to Allah, pleasing him is pleasing Allah, and loving him is part of loving Allah.

Many misguided people among the disbelievers and the people of religious innovation have altered the religion. Allah Most High appointed the messengers—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them—as intermediaries in conveying His commands, prohibitions, promises and warnings. Thus, no one has a path to Allah except by following