with which to understand, nor a tongue with which to speak. Another was confronted with conflicting signs and opposing impulses, especially since he could not distinguish true glad tidings from false, or tell those who were mistaken in what they related from those who were correct. Nor did he possess a scholar’s knowledge of the transmitted texts. Rather, he might know nothing of them beyond having heard them as edifying accounts. He might then fail to discern their subtler implications or to resolve what, at first consideration, he imagined contradicted them. Thus bewilderment overwhelmed even someone known for being rightly guided, and conflicting opinions battered him as children pelt one another with pebbles.

“There the believers were tested and shaken severely.”

Allah subjected them to this trial, through which He expiates their sins and raises their ranks. They were shaken by such tremors that through them they merited the highest ranks.

Allah Most High said:

“And when the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease said, ‘Allah and His Messenger have promised us nothing but delusion.’”

They spoke likewise during this ordeal concerning what had been promised to them by the heirs to the prophetic legacy and successors to the messengers’ mission—Allah’s party, who spoke on His behalf. Thus these people came to follow the example of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, as Allah Most High said:

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.”

As for the hypocrites, attention has already been drawn to them.