for a prophet, and “miraculous favor” for a friend of Allah. Both fall under the category of occurrences that depart from the ordinary course of things.

We say: The attributes of perfection fall under three headings: knowledge, power, and self-sufficiency. Alternatively, one may say: knowledge and power. Power is either the ability to act—that is, to bring about effects—or the ability to refrain from acting—that is, self-sufficiency. The first classification is better. These three attributes belong in their perfection to Allah alone: His knowledge encompasses all things, He has power over all things, and He has no need of any of creation.

The Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was commanded to disclaim any claim to these three attributes, in Allah’s words:

“Say, ‘I do not tell you that I possess Allah’s treasures, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I follow only what is revealed to me.’”

Noah, peace be upon him, said likewise. Noah was the first of the messengers of firm resolve and the first messenger Allah Most High sent to the people of the earth; Muhammad is the last of the messengers and the last of those of firm resolve. Both disclaim these things.

This is because people sometimes demand that the Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, know the unseen, as in Allah’s words:

“They say, ‘When will this promise be fulfilled, if you are truthful?’”

And:

“They ask you about the Hour: when will it come to pass? Say, ‘Knowledge of it rests only with my Lord.’”

At other times, they demand that he bring about effects, as in His words:

“They say, ‘We will never believe you until you cause a spring to gush forth from the earth for us,”

“or you have a garden of palm trees and grapevines, and cause rivers to flow abundantly through it,”

“or you cause the sky to fall upon us in pieces, as you have claimed, or bring Allah and the angels before us face to face.’”