The same applies to someone who does not desire lawful pleasures, even when they can help him perform a recommended deed, and does not wish to become angry, exact retribution, or engage in jihad when pardon is permissible, even when taking retribution for Allah’s sake would be more pleasing to Him. This, too, was characteristic of some prophets and righteous people. Although this is permissible and entails no sin, the character of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is more perfect.

If this conduct or that described previously forms part of the law prescribed for a prophet, then no prophet is to be faulted for what Allah has prescribed for him. Yet Allah has favored some prophets over others and some messengers over others. The law with which Allah sent Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the best of all revealed laws, for Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is the best of the prophets and messengers, and his community is the best community ever raised for mankind.

Commenting on the words of Allah Most High,

“You are the best community ever raised for mankind,”

Abū Hurayrah said: “You are the best people for other people: you bring them in fetters and chains until you bring them into Paradise.”

They expend their wealth and their lives in jihad for people’s benefit, making them the most beneficial of all communities to creation. All creatures are dependent on Allah, and those most beloved to Allah are those most beneficial to His dependents.

As for those who are not prophets, some follow this as their prescribed law because they follow that prophet. But for someone who follows the law and way of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, if what he has neglected is obligatory for him and what he has done is forbidden to him, then he deserves blame and punishment—unless he is acting on a mistaken interpretation, for Allah has excused this community for