—the philosophers among the Ismāʿīlīs, the Nusayrīs, and others like them. They treated the Messenger’s words as belonging to this same category: he outwardly expressed the opposite of what he inwardly concealed, and privately confided the opposite of what he publicly proclaimed. In effect, their position made the Messenger the leader of the hypocrites. Yet he—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—is the truthful and trustworthy one, who explains to people what has been sent down to them, conveys his Lord’s message, and addresses them in clear Arabic.
Allah Most High says:
“We have not sent any messenger except in the language of his people, so that he might make things clear to them.”
And He says:
“We have made it an Arabic Quran so that you may understand.”
And He says:
“We have certainly made the Quran easy for remembrance. Is there anyone who will take heed?”
And He says:
“We have made it easy in your language only so that you may give glad tidings through it to the righteous and warn a contentious people.”
And He says:
“The tongue of the one to whom they allude is foreign, whereas this is clear Arabic.”
And He says:
“We have sent down to you the Reminder so that you may explain to people what has been sent down to them.”
And He says:
“It is for Us to gather it and recite it.”
“So when We have recited it, follow its recitation.”
“Then it is for Us to explain it.”
And He says:
“This is a blessed Book which We have sent down to you, so that they may reflect upon its verses and those of understanding may take heed.”
And He says:
“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?”
And He says:
“Are the messengers responsible for anything but conveying the message clearly?”
And the messengers said:
“Our Lord knows that we have indeed been sent to you. Our duty is only to convey the message clearly.”
And He says:
“Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey the Messenger. But if you turn away, he is responsible only for what he has been charged with, and you are responsible for what you have been charged with. If you obey him, you will be guided. And the Messenger’s duty is only