the Christians, into seventy-two sects. This community will split into seventy-three sects, all of them in the Fire except one.”

This has been discussed at length elsewhere, where the condition of the saved sect has been explained: those who follow what the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and his Companions followed.

What further clarifies the preceding discussion is that mā (“what”) in His words:

“I do not worship what you worship,
nor are you worshippers of what I worship”

refers to that which is worshipped. It is, however, an unrestricted expression encompassing one or many, masculine or feminine. It therefore encompasses everything they worship.

That which is worshipped is a god. Thus, it is as though He said: “I do not worship your god, nor do you worship my God.” This is like what Allah relates in the account of Jacob. The Most High says:

“Or were you witnesses when death approached Jacob, when he said to his sons, ‘What will you worship after me?’ They said, ‘We will worship your God and the God of your forefathers, Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac—one God—and to Him we submit.’”

The terms “god” and “object of worship” imply a relationship to the worshipper. He says:

“The God of your forefathers, Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac.”

He is the One whom these men—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon them—worship and take as their God. Only those who follow their religion worship Him, as Joseph said:

“Indeed, I have abandoned the religion of a people who do not believe in Allah and who disbelieve in the Hereafter.”

“And I have followed the religion of my forefathers, Abraham