“On the Day their faces are turned about in the Fire, they will say, ‘Oh, would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!’”

Through to His words:

“and curse them with a mighty curse.”

There are many passages like this in the Quran. Since “happiness in this world and the Hereafter” lies in following the messengers, it is clear that those most entitled to it are those who know best the teachings transmitted from the messengers and follow them most closely. Those who know their words and deeds and follow them are the people of happiness in every time and place. They are the saved group among the followers of every religion, and in this community they are the people of the Sunnah and hadith. They share with the rest of the community whatever knowledge of the prophetic message those others possess, but are distinguished by their particular knowledge inherited from the Messenger—knowledge that others lack or deny.

The messengers—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them—were charged with conveying the message clearly, and they did so. As for the last of the messengers, Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, Allah revealed His Book, confirming the Scriptures that preceded it and serving as their guardian. It is thus the trustworthy custodian of all the Scriptures. The Prophet conveyed the message in the clearest, fullest, and most complete manner. He was the most sincere of all creation in seeking the good of Allah’s servants, and was compassionate and merciful towards the believers. He conveyed the message, fulfilled the trust, strove in Allah’s cause as he ought, and worshipped Allah until death came to him.

Thus, those among creation who enjoy the greatest happiness and bliss and hold the highest rank are those who follow him most closely and conform most fully to his example in knowledge and practice. As for the speculative theologians who do not follow him, the discussion concerns their syllogisms, which constitute their arguments