over any of Allah’s bounty.” This surah is unanimously agreed to be Medinan; it was not addressed to the polytheists in Mecca. He also says:

“Why do you not believe in Allah when the Messenger calls you to believe in your Lord, and He has already taken your covenant, if you are believers?”

Such words are not addressed to a disbeliever. No covenant had been taken from the disbelievers of Mecca; rather, it was taken from the believers through their pledge of allegiance to the Prophet. Every Muslim who emigrated would pledge allegiance to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, just as the Ansār pledged allegiance to him on the night of al-Aqabah.

The call was only for them to fulfill and perfect their faith by performing the inward and outward duties required for its completeness. Likewise, we ask Allah to guide us to the straight path in every prayer. Although He has guided the believers to acknowledge, in general, what the Messenger brought, they have not attained detailed guidance in everything they say and do, in all their affairs. All such specific, detailed guidance is part of the faith they are commanded to have. Through it, Allah brings them out of darkness into light.