Thus, they did not regard clarification and guidance as the purpose of his address, although Allah described His Book and His Prophet in these terms, saying:

“Guidance for the God-fearing.”

And He said:

“This is a clear explanation for mankind.”

And He said:

“We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand.”

And He said:

“The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message clearly.”

And He said:

“A Book We have sent down to you so that you may bring mankind out of darkness into light.”

There are many similar passages. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“I have left you upon a clear path, whose night is like its day. No one will deviate from it after me except one who is doomed.”

Allah Most High said:

“This is My straight path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths, lest they lead you away from His path.”

And He said:

“There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book.”

“Through it Allah guides those who seek His pleasure to the paths of peace, brings them out of darkness into light by His permission, and guides them to a straight path.”

And He said:

“You did not know what the Book was, nor what faith was, but We made it a light by which We guide whomever We will of Our servants. And you indeed guide to a straight path.”

And He said:

“Those who believe in him, honour him, support him, and follow the light sent down with him—it is they who will prosper.”

Then there is a third group, which has become numerous among later people who affiliate themselves with the Sunnah. They make statements implying that the Messenger—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—did not know the meanings of what was revealed to him of the Quran, such as the verses concerning the divine attributes. Indeed, their position also necessarily implies that he would relate hadiths concerning the divine attributes without knowing their meanings. When these poor souls encountered the view widely reported from the majority of the early generations, including the Companions