good, and they did well in this regard. Yet they may be answered: Satan cast something in, then Allah made His verses firm; there is nothing objectionable in that. In some respects, this resembles abrogation for someone who has received a command or prohibition. He is then certain of, and accepts, the withdrawal of words that slipped from his tongue; this is no greater a matter than his announcing their abrogation. Thus, concerning abrogation, He said:

“And indeed, it was difficult except for those whom Allah guided.”

Their supposition that they had been called liars follows from their understanding of the promise. This is possible and entails nothing objectionable, provided they are not left uncorrected. This is a sound interpretation, consistent with the apparent meaning of the verse and with all the other principles established by Quranic verses and hadiths.

What confirms this is that promises and warnings are no greater a matter than commands and prohibitions. If, concerning commands and prohibitions, they may suppose something and subsequently discover that the matter is otherwise, then this is all the more possible concerning promises and warnings.

Indeed, concerning commands and prohibitions, when they rely on the presumption that the prior state continues, they do not thereby suppose anything contrary to the actual state of affairs. Obligation and prohibition are established only through divine address; if they deny their existence before that address, their belief accords with the actual state of affairs. As for a promise, if they have not been informed of it, they may suppose that it does not exist. Thus Abraham, Allah’s close friend, supposed that his father might be forgiven and therefore sought forgiveness for him, though we were forbidden to follow his example. Likewise, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to Abū Tālib:

“I shall certainly seek forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden to do so.”

He even asked his Lord for permission to seek forgiveness for his mother, but he was not granted permission for