And His words:

‘Indeed, We have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good tidings and a warner,
and as one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and as an illuminating lamp.’

It is well known that he—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was not a lamp in the familiar sense. Rather, he was called a lamp because of the guidance he brought; the clarity of his proofs was like an illuminating lamp. It is also reported from Ibn ‘Abbās, in another narration, and from Abū al-‘Āliyah and al-Hasan that this means the Illuminator of ‘the heavens and the earth’: their sun, moon and stars.

Among the sayings of those who know Allah is this: ‘The Light’ is He who illuminates the hearts of the sincere with belief in His oneness and illuminates the inmost hearts of those who love Him with His support. It has also been said: He is the One who gives life to the hearts of those who know Him through the light of knowing Him, and to the souls of His worshippers through the light of worshipping Him.”

(The answer): This statement and others like it do not constitute an objection to our position. Rather, it marks the beginning of their diminished respect for him, owing to what he supposes our position entails, or what he supposes we say in the manner he has described.

Allah Most High has said:

“Avoid much suspicion; indeed, some suspicion is sinful.”

And the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the falsest of speech.”

When a statement attributes to others views that are false according to reason and revelation, and then refutes those views, this constitutes falsehood and injustice. We seek refuge in Allah from that. Yet, despite its injustice towards us, if only it were sound and coherent discourse! We would then waive our claim against him, and people could benefit from the knowledge it contained. But it contains distortion of Allah’s Book, deviation concerning His verses and Names, and falsehood, injustice and transgression that infringe upon Allah’s rights. Even if we waive our own claim, Allah’s right rests with Him, not with anyone else.