his injustice is assumed to be extensive, that is a harm to religion, like calamities that expiate their sins and for which they are rewarded, and through which they turn back to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and repent to Him. The same applies to the enemies He gives power over them.

But as for someone who lies about Allah and says—that is, claims—that he is a prophet, were Allah to support him as He supports a truthful prophet, this would entail treating him and the truthful prophet equally. Guidance and misguidance, good and evil, and the path to Paradise and the path to Hell would then become indistinguishable. The distinction between the two would disappear. This would bring universal corruption upon people in their religion, their worldly life, and their Hereafter.

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, commanded fighting those among the people of innovation who fight for a corrupt religion, such as the Khārijites. He commanded patience under the injustice of rulers and forbade fighting them or rebelling against them. Thus, Allah may grant many unjust kings power for a time.

As for lying claimants to prophethood, however, He does not prolong their hold on power. Rather, He will inevitably destroy them, because their corruption extends to religion, worldly life, and the Hereafter. Allah Most High said:

“Had he fabricated some sayings in Our name,”
“We would surely have seized him by the right hand,”
“then severed his aorta.”

And Allah Most High said: “Or do they say, ‘He has fabricated a lie about Allah’? If Allah willed, He could set a seal upon