and a number of the finest members of the community were killed. “Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, stood firm with a small band until the enemy reached him. They broke his lateral incisor, wounded his face, and smashed the helmet upon his head. Some of his finest Companions were killed or wounded defending him. Satan cried out among them that Muhammad had been killed. This shook the hearts of some of them so severely that a group fled, while Allah strengthened others, enabling them to stand firm.

Likewise, when the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, passed away, hearts were shaken, the bonds of religion were thrown into turmoil, and humiliation overwhelmed those whom Allah willed, until al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, came out to them and said:

‘Whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad has died; but whoever worships Allah, Allah is Ever-Living and never dies.’

He then recited His words:

‘Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will not harm Allah in the least. And Allah will reward the grateful.’

It was as though the people had never heard this verse until al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, recited it. Thereafter, everyone could be heard reciting it.

Because of the Messenger’s death, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and the weakness that had overtaken them, groups of people apostatized. Some abandoned the religion entirely. Others abandoned part of it, saying, ‘We will pray, but we will not pay zakat.’ Still others abandoned the purity of religious devotion brought by Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Thus, in addition to believing in Muhammad, they believed