are the most obedient of all creation to Allah and have the strongest faith in what they were sent with. A created being, by contrast, may send someone who lies about him, disobeys him, or does not believe that obedience to him is obligatory. The Creator is far above such things. Yet those who said this consider it possible for the Lord to send anyone with anything. In their view, reason offers no grounds for ruling this out. They hold the messengers free of what Muslims unanimously agree they are free of only because, in their view, this is established by revelation—not by virtue of their being messengers. This has been discussed at length elsewhere, and this principle has been shown to be mistaken.

Since both matters concern him, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, regarding the first one says, “I believe him,” as Allah Most High says:

“But no one believed Moses except some youths from among his people.”

And He says:

“He believes in Allah and believes the believers.”

And:

“You will not believe us.”

Regarding the second, one says, “I believe in Allah.” We must therefore believe him and believe in what he brought. Allah Most High mentions both matters. First, He mentions what establishes his prophethood and truthfulness, saying:

“Or do they say, ‘He fabricated it’? Say, ‘Then produce ten fabricated surahs like it, and call upon whomever you can besides Allah, if you are truthful.’”

“If they do not respond to you, then know that it was revealed with Allah’s knowledge and that there is no deity worthy of worship except Him.”

This has already been pointed out.