are the ones who prosper.”

“Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, fears Allah, and is mindful of Him—it is they who will triumph.”

He thus made obedience due to Allah and the Messenger, while reserving fear and God-consciousness for Allah alone, as He said:

“So fear Me alone.”

And He said:

“And be mindful of Me alone.”

And He said:

“So do not fear people, but fear Me.”

And He said:

“Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. The Hand of Allah is above their hands.”

Allah Most High said:

“Do not regard the calling of the Messenger among you as being like your calling one another.”

Allah Most High said:

“The Prophet has a greater claim upon the believers than they have upon themselves, and his wives are their mothers.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“None of you believes until I am dearer to him than his child, his father, and all people.”

Umar said to him, “By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everyone except myself.” He replied, “No, Umar—not until I am dearer to you than your own self.” Umar said, “Then you are dearer to me than my own self.” He replied, “Now, Umar.”

Allah has thus explained in His Book the rights of the Messenger: obeying him, loving him, supporting and honoring him, aiding him, making him judge, being content with his judgment and submitting to it, following him, invoking blessings and peace upon him, giving him precedence over oneself, one’s family, and one’s wealth, referring disputed matters to him, and other rights.

He declared that obedience to the Messenger is obedience to Him, saying:

“Whoever obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allah.”

And that pledging allegiance to the Messenger is pledging allegiance to Him, saying:

“Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you are actually pledging allegiance to Allah.”

He coupled His name with the Messenger’s name in connection with love, saying:

“Dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger.”

And in connection with giving offense, saying:

“Indeed, those who offend Allah and His Messenger.”

And in connection with obedience and disobedience, saying:

“Whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger.”

“Whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger.”

And in connection with seeking approval, saying:

“Allah and His Messenger have a greater right that they should seek His approval.”

These and similar rights are what the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, is entitled to—may my father and mother be sacrificed for him.