The Quran also contains accounts of the messengers that offer comfort and strength, so that the Prophet may follow their example in patiently enduring rejection and harm, as the Most High says:

“Messengers before you were indeed rejected, but they patiently endured rejection and persecution until Our help came to them.”

. . . (1) and for us, since he is an example in this regard. Such accounts abound in the Quran. Hence He says:

“Indeed, in their stories there is a lesson for people of understanding.”

And He says:

“Nothing is said to you that was not said to the messengers before you.”

And He says:

“So be patient, as were the messengers of firm resolve, and do not seek to hasten their punishment.”

“We relate to you all these accounts of the messengers to strengthen your heart.”

Since following their example is prescribed in both respects, what is prescribed includes repenting of sin, trusting Allah’s promise even if some suspicion enters the heart, and seeking further signs to reassure the heart. This accords with following their example and taking them as models, unlike the notion that the one being followed is absolutely protected from sin. The follower would then say: “I am not like him, for no sin is ascribed to him.” Then, when he sins, he despairs of following and emulating him, because he has committed a sin which, according to the doctrine of absolute protection from sin, invalidates such emulation. By contrast, if it is said that repentance makes amends for this, following their example remains possible despite the sin. As has been said:

“The first to sin and transgress, then repent and feel regret, was Adam, the father of humankind; and whoever takes after his father has done no wrong.”