one person for another in his absence; for in that case the angel says, “And may you have the same,” thus asking for him the same as he requested for the absent person. Here, however, he is supplicating for himself and for the believers.

To explain: although the revealed law was finalized with the death of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and it has been stated that Allah has pardoned his community for mistakes and forgetfulness, and that the Messenger relieves his community of their burden and the shackles that bound them, and although he asked his Lord not to give an outside enemy power to destroy his community, and was granted this request—nevertheless, individual members of the community may only enjoy these protections through obedience to Allah and His Messenger. If someone disobeys Allah, he is punished for that disobedience by being deprived of this blessing, even though the revealed law has not been abrogated.

This is illustrated by the fact that this supplication includes asking Allah for pardon, forgiveness, mercy, and victory over the disbelievers. It is well known that not every individual member of the community receives all this. Rather, some enter the Fire, some are overcome by the disbelievers, and some are deprived of provision because they have neglected obedience to Allah and His Messenger. They are deprived of these blessings in proportion to their neglect or shortcomings.

As for Allah’s words, “I have done so,” two explanations may be offered.

The first is that He has done this for the believers mentioned in the verse, and faith without qualification entails obedience to Allah and His Messenger. Whoever is not like this falls short in