The virtues of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and of his community are many. From the time Allah sent him, He made him the criterion distinguishing His allies from His enemies. No one can be an ally of Allah unless he believes in the Prophet and what he brought, and follows him inwardly and outwardly. Whoever claims to love Allah and to be His ally without following the Prophet is not among Allah’s allies. Rather, whoever opposes him is among Allah’s enemies and Satan’s allies. Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.’”

Al-Hasan al-Basrī, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “Some people claimed to love Allah, so Allah revealed this verse as a test for them.” Allah has made clear in this verse that He loves whoever follows the Messenger. Whoever claims to love Allah but does not follow the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is not among Allah’s allies—even though many people consider themselves or others to be Allah’s allies when they are not. The Jews and Christians claim to be Allah’s allies and His beloved ones. Allah Most High says:

“Say, ‘Then why does He punish you for your sins? Rather, you are human beings among those He has created.’”

And the verse continues. Allah Most High also says:

“They say, ‘None will enter Paradise unless he is a Jew or a Christian.’ Those are their wishful hopes,”

up to His words:

“nor will they grieve.”

The Arab polytheists used to claim that they were Allah’s own people because they lived in Mecca and dwelt beside the House. On that account, they arrogantly considered themselves superior to others, as Allah Most High says:

“My verses were recited to you, but you would turn back on your heels, arrogant on account of it, speaking abusively in your nightly gatherings.”

Allah Most High also says:

“And when those who disbelieved plotted against you to imprison you or kill you,”

up to His words:

“while they bar people from the Sacred Mosque