and another says that “the straight path” is Islam, or the religion of Islam. Another says that “the straight path” is the Sunnah and the Muslim community. Another says that “the straight path” is the path of servitude to Allah, or the path of fear, hope, love, obeying commands and avoiding prohibitions; or following the Book and the Sunnah; or acting in obedience to Allah—or uses other such names and expressions.

Clearly, the referent is one and the same, even though its attributes vary and its names and descriptions are numerous. Thus, one may say: Muhammad is Ahmad, the Gatherer, the Effacer, the Last, the Seal of the Messengers, the Prophet of Mercy, and the Prophet of Battle.

Likewise, one may say: the Quran is the Criterion, the Light, the Healing, the Wise Reminder, and the Book whose verses have been perfected and then explained in detail. The same applies to Allah’s Most Beautiful Names:

“He is the First and the Last, the Most High and the Most Near, and He has knowledge of all things.”

He is the One

“who created and proportioned, who determined and guided, who brought forth pasture, then turned it into dark stubble.”

“He is Allah, besides whom there is no deity, Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.”

“He is Allah, besides whom there is no deity, the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Source of Peace, the Giver of Security, the Watcher over all, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supremely Great.”

“He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator, the Fashioner,”