and there is no harm in doing so.”

This subject—the subject of promises and warnings—is expressed in the Book through unqualified designations: believers, the patient, those who strive in Allah’s cause, and those who do good. How many people imagine themselves to be among those covered by the promise! As they understand the wording, they suppose themselves to possess the qualities that bring one within the promise; the issue is not their belief in the truth of the promise itself.

This is illustrated by His words:

“We will certainly support Our messengers and those who believe, both in the life of this world and on the Day when the witnesses stand forth.”

And the two verses beginning with His words:

“Our word has already gone forth to Our servants, the messengers.”

A person may suppose that he or someone else possesses the fullness of faith that merits victory, and thus belongs to Allah’s victorious forces, when the reality is otherwise. Conversely, some of the promised victory may occur without being recognized as part of what was promised. Mistaken suppositions in understanding these matters are exceedingly common—far more common than in matters of commands and prohibitions, despite the many errors that occur there. Only Allah Most High can encompass all the errors made in this regard.

This applies to all human beings. The prophets, however—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them—are not allowed to persist in error; rather, the truth is made clear to them. Those who are not prophets may never have this made clear to them in this world. Hence the Quran frequently commands His Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to affirm the truth of the promise