or that some of Allah’s close servants are free to depart from the Law of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him—just as al-Khidr was free to depart from the Law of Moses, peace be upon him—then he is an unbeliever who must be put to death after being called upon to repent. For Moses’ mission was not universal, and al-Khidr was not obliged to follow Moses, peace be upon them both. Rather, al-Khidr said to Moses:

“I possess knowledge from Allah which He has taught me and which you do not know, while you possess knowledge from Allah which He has taught you and which I do not know.”

Muhammad ibn Abd Allāh ibn Abd al-Muttalib, however, is the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, to all jinn and humankind: Arabs and non-Arabs, those near and far, rulers and subjects, ascetics and others. Allah Most High said:

“We have sent you only as a bearer of good tidings and a warner to all mankind.”

And He Most High said:

“Say: ‘O mankind, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth.’”

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“A prophet used to be sent specifically to his own people, whereas I have been sent to all mankind.”

He is the last of the messengers: no prophet is to be awaited after him, nor any further scripture expected. Rather, he is the last of the prophets, and the Book revealed to him confirms the Scripture that preceded it and stands as a guardian over it. Whoever believes that anyone in all creation—whether a scholar, a worshipper or a king—is free to depart from following and obeying him and accepting the Book and wisdom with which he was sent is an unbeliever. A distinction must be made between the Islamic acts of worship, grounded in faith, prophetic guidance and revealed law, which