and Muhammad himself became a proof, and he established proofs of his truthfulness. Evidence supporting evidence is itself evidence, and proof supporting proof is itself proof. Every sign attesting to him is a proof. “Proof” is a generic term, not restricted to a single proof, as in His words:

“Say: Bring your proof, if you are truthful.”

Had they then brought several proofs, they would have complied. The point is that reason recognizes that this proof attests to his truthfulness. It is clear evidence from Allah, as Qatādah said, and an authoritative argument from Allah, as Mujāhid and al-Suddī said. The believer stands upon that clear evidence, followed by a witness from Allah: the light that He sent down along with the proof. And Allah knows best.

Section

As for those who say that His words,

“Is one who stands upon clear evidence from his Lord”

refer to Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace—as a group of the early Muslims said—they may mean to give an example rather than restrict the meaning to him alone. Quran commentators often intend this. Muhammad was the first to stand upon clear evidence from his Lord and to be followed by a witness from Him. The same applies to the other prophets, and he is the best of them and their leader. The believers follow him, and through him they came to stand upon clear evidence from their Lord.

An address may be directed to him in its wording while its meaning is general, as in His words:

“So if you are in doubt about what