past, just as he initially disavowed what they worship in the present and future. Together, the two statements therefore express disavowal of everything that polytheists and disbelievers worship at any time—past, present, or future.

His first statement:

“I do not worship what you worship”

does not encompass all of this. In His words:

“Nor am I a worshipper,”

the active participle functions as a verb and is not in a genitive construction; it therefore also encompasses the present and future.

It is, however, a nominal sentence, and negation by means of what follows the verb carries an additional meaning. Thus, you say, “I do not do this,” and “I am not one to do it.” Saying, “He is not one ever to do this,” is more emphatic than saying, “He never does it.” The former denies that such an act could proceed from the person himself. By contrast, saying, “He does not do this,” does not rule out his being capable of it or its being permissible for him, nor does it indicate that it is unsuitable or unbecoming for him. This differs from saying, “He is not one to do it,” or, more emphatically, “He is certainly not one to do it,” as in His words:

“Those who have been favored would not hand over their provision to those whom their right hands possess.”

And His words:

“I cannot come to your aid, nor can you come to mine.”

And His words:

“Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

“Nor can you guide the blind.”

“Nor can you make those in the graves hear.”

“They cannot harm anyone through it except by Allah’s permission.”

Nor may it be said that the nominal sentence abandons permanence, and that negating this does not entail negating