statements that we have heard from their shaykhs, and whose falsity and the misguidance they contain we have explained to them more than once.

As for indwelling in particular individuals, this is not their doctrine. Rather, it is the doctrine of the Christians and those extremists who agree with them. This too is false, for Allah, glorified be He, said to him:

“Not for you is the decision.”

And He said:

“And when the servant of Allah stood up supplicating Him.”

And He said:

“Glorified is He who took His servant by night.”

And He said:

“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our servant.”

And He said:

“Certainly Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree. He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with a victory near at hand,”

“and abundant spoils which they would take. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”

His saying, “Certainly Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree,” explains His saying, “Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you are actually pledging allegiance to Allah.” Hence He said: “The hand of Allah is above their hands.”

It is well known that the hand of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was with their hands: they would shake his hand and strike their palms against his hand when pledging allegiance. Thus it is clear that the hand of Allah, which is above their hands, is not the hand of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Rather, the Messenger is Allah’s servant and Messenger. He accepted their allegiance on Allah’s behalf and entered into covenants and agreements with them on Allah’s behalf. Those who pledged allegiance to him therefore pledged allegiance to Allah, who sent him and commanded him to accept their allegiance.

Do you not see that, when someone appoints an agent and a contract is concluded with that agent, this is a contract with the principal? And if someone appoints a representative to make a covenant with a people, and the representative makes that covenant on behalf of the one who appointed him, have they not entered into a covenant with the one who appointed him? And if someone appoints a man to give someone in marriage or contract a marriage, is the appointed agent the husband for whom the contract was concluded?

Allah Most High has said:

“Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth in return for